Extremists on bail, online radicalisation, dawah circles under govt watch: Home minister

The government is monitoring the activities of members of extremist organisations who are out on bail, while taking steps to arrest fugitives, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament today (10 September).

"The government is also monitoring the radicalisation activities of extremist groups operating online, as well as the activities of various dawah circles," he minister made the remarks in response to a question from reserved women's seat-4 MP Rehana Akter Ranu during the question-answer session of parliament.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal presided over the session.

Dawah circles are structured group gatherings where Muslims meet to learn about Islam, strengthen their faith, and discuss ways to share Islamic teachings with others.

Salahuddin said the government is firmly committed to eliminating extremism, militancy, terrorism and communalism and maintaining peace, law and order and stability across the country. "The government has taken various measures since assuming office to combat terrorism and extremism and build a non-communal Bangladesh."

As part of these efforts, a high-level coordination committee titled the "National Coordination Committee for Ensuring Security and Social Stability" has been formed under the leadership of the prime minister, he added.

According to the home minister, the committee regularly carries out activities in coordination with relevant ministries and various intelligence agencies.

The ongoing measures include monitoring the activities of extremist organisation members on bail, taking steps to arrest fugitives, and identifying and arresting people involved in extremism, with legal action against them.

The government is also monitoring the radicalisation activities of extremist groups active online and taking legal action where applicable, Salahuddin said.

He added that the activities of various online dawah circles are also under surveillance, while counter-narrative initiatives are being conducted against extremist propaganda.

The home minister said police and other law enforcement agencies are particularly active in combating extremism. The government is also seeking to strengthen engagement between law enforcement agencies and local communities through community and beat policing.

Regular monitoring is also being carried out through coordination of intelligence on extremist activities, he added.

Claiming that the country's current law and order situation is largely under control, Salahuddin said the government is firmly committed to maintaining peace and order at all costs.