NYT report on 'Islamist extremism' in Bangladesh one-sided, risks smearing the nation: CA press wing

Refuting a New York Times report that claimed an emergence of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today (1 April) said the report portrays a one-sided view of the country and risks unfairly smearing an entire nation.

"The New York Times article paints a troubling and one-sided view of Bangladesh, suggesting that the country is on the brink of being overtaken by religious extremism. This portrayal not only oversimplifies the political and social dynamics of the country but also risks unfairly smearing an entire nation of 180 million people," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said in a statement posted on Facebook today (1 April).

The statement comes following the publication of a New York Times report today titled "As Bangladesh Reinvents Itself, Islamist Hard-Liners See an Opening."

Bangladesh sees emergence of Islamist extremism amidst nation rebuilding: New York Times

In the rebuttal statement, the chief adviser's press secretary stated that it is crucial to acknowledge the progress Bangladesh has made over the last year and the complexity of the situation, rather than relying on selective, incendiary examples that paint an inaccurate picture.

The NYT report, published today on its website, claims that as "Bangladesh tries to rebuild its democracy and chart a new future for its 175 million people, a streak of Islamist extremism that had long lurked beneath the country's secular facade is bubbling to the surface.

It said religious extremists in Bangladesh began by asserting control over women's bodies following the July-August uprising last year.

"In the political vacuum that has emerged after the overthrow of Bangladesh's authoritarian leader, religious fundamentalists in one town declared that young women could no longer play soccer. In another, they forced the police to free a man who had harassed a woman for not covering her hair in public, then draped him in garlands of flowers.

"More brazen calls followed. Demonstrators at a rally in Dhaka, the capital, warned that if the government did not give the death penalty to anyone who disrespected Islam, they would carry out executions with their own hands. Days later, an outlawed group held a large march demanding an Islamic caliphate," reads the report.

Criticising the report, Shafiqul said while the article highlights certain incidents of religious tension and conservative movements, it overlooks the broader context of progress. 

"Bangladesh has made substantial strides in improving the conditions for women, and the interim government has been particularly committed to their security and well-being," Shafiqul said.

The press secretary also noted that the interim government has prioritised women's rights and security, a focus that stands in stark contrast to the bleak image painted in the NY Times article.

He also gave an example of "Youth Festival 2025," where nearly 2.7 million girls from all corners of the country participated in 3,000 games and cultural activities. 

"This widespread participation—across regions, marginalised communities, and even indigenous youth—underscores the thriving and dynamic engagement of women and girls in Bangladesh's social and cultural life," reads the statement.

He mentioned that the fact that one soccer game faced opposition does not erase the success of the other 2,999 events, which were celebrated by countless participants and communities. 

"To focus on a single interruption to one event misrepresents the vibrancy and determination of the country's youth, especially women," he added.

Another claim that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus "has not pushed back hard enough against extremist forces" is not only false, but it also disregards his lifelong commitment to empowering women, said the press secretary. 

"As Chief Adviser Yunus has been unwavering in his advocacy for women's rights. A father of two daughters, Yunus has built his entire career and the Grameen Bank around a deep belief in the power of women, which ultimately earned him the Nobel Prize."

Prof Yunus' dedication to advancing women's rights and protecting their freedoms is a cornerstone of his work and reputation, Shafiqul said.

He also stated that in a country like Bangladesh, it is important to distinguish between political unrest and religious violence. 

"Political factions often use religion to galvanise support, which complicates the issue and risks conflating political unrest with religious persecution. It is misleading to frame the entire situation as a sectarian conflict, as it ignores the true political and socio-economic factors at play," he said.

Shafiqul Alam also noted that the interim government has made clear its commitment to protecting all minority communities, and its ongoing work with law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts underscores this commitment.

"Bangladesh's efforts to combat extremism through social reforms and collaboration with the international community should not be overshadowed by the spread of misinformation," he added.