HRCBM-DFW

Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)
Bruce Vaughn, Specialist in Southeast and South Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade

Summary

There is concern among observers that the secular underpinnings of moderate
Bangladesh are being undermined by a culture of political violence and the rise of
Islamist extremists. A further deterioration of Bangladesh’s democracy and political
stability may create additional space within which Islamist militants may be increasingly
free to operate. Such a development may have destabilizing implications for Bangladesh,
South Asia, and the Islamic world. They also have the potential to undermine U.S.
interests. See CRS Report RL33646, Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations, by
Bruce Vaughn, for additional information.