Possible Solutions

By Alexandra Stark 

In order to curb the influence of organizations like ISIS in Bangladesh, policymakers should focus on preventing the politically motivated violence perpetrated by these outlawed groups. However, in addition to providing increased protection for atheist bloggers and minority religious groups, the Awami-led government of Bangladesh needs to be pushed to compromise on political issues that have historically set off violent protests and contributed to the polarization of the political space. Specifically, the international community should pressure and provide support to the government in holding free and fair elections that are contested by all parties.

The international community should also put pressure on the government to halt the ICT trials and executions, eliminate the death penalty, and ideally redesign the reconciliation process to operate in a less partisan way. As Human Rights Watch’s Asia director, Brian Adams, has noted, “Justice and accountability for the terrible crimes committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence are crucial, but trials need to meet international fair trial standards. Unfair trials can’t provide real justice, especially when the death penalty is imposed.”

While these are important correctives, the sad reality is that given the current intransigence of the Bangladesh government, the international community will be hard-pressed to get Dhaka to comply. Nevertheless, because of the sizable amount of aid that Bangladesh receives from the United States, European countries, and international organizations, the West has significant untapped leverage that could be used to push the government in the right direction.

Finally, the international community can invest in inter-faith peace building measures to prevent violence against religious minorities and build social cohesion. By taking these measures to counter homegrown radical organizations, policymakers can begin to curb the violence and political polarization that provides fertile recruiting ground for organizations like ISIS.

- Alexandra Stark is pursuing a PhD in International Relations at Georgetown University, and is a Research Assistant for the World Faiths Development Dialogue in Washington, D.C. She holds an MSc from the London School of Economics.

[Excerpted from “To Counter ISIS, Bangladesh Needs to Solve Its Homegrown Violence”; The Diplomat]