Kolkata, India: The banned militant organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir has sparked controversy in Bangladesh by openly distributing propaganda leaflets across various roads, including in the capital, Dhaka. These materials call for the declaration of India as an enemy state and urge Muslims to unite under the banner of Hizb-ut-Tahrir.
The two-page leaflet, reportedly containing inflammatory content, promotes the idea that Bangladesh will lead the establishment of a Khilafat (Islamic Caliphate) in South Asia. It also includes speeches aimed at inciting hostility against India. The circulation of these materials has raised concerns, particularly as it comes just ahead of an important diplomatic meeting between the foreign secretaries of India and Bangladesh.
Hizb ut Tahrir’s Growing Influence and Cross-Border Presence
Security agencies have raised alarms over the increasing activities of Hizb-ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh and its possible infiltration into India. Intelligence sources have gathered crucial information suggesting the organization is attempting to expand its influence within Indian territory.
A recent investigation has uncovered details about two Bangladeshi nationals, Sabbir Aamir and Ridwan Maroof, who entered India on May 23 via the Mohaddipur border in Malda, West Bengal. Both individuals carried valid passports and initially identified themselves as students visiting on a tourist visa. However, their activities during their stay have raised suspicions.
According to intelligence reports, the duo visited multiple locations in Malda, including Vaishnavnagar and Dhulian, where they reportedly held meetings with local youths. They returned to Bangladesh on May 30, but their movements have since been under scrutiny. Authorities have identified Ridwan as a student of Rajshahi University, while Aamir, also known as Sabbir, is an established leader and organizer of Hizb-ut-Tahrir.
Further investigation has revealed their possible connections with locals in Malda, some of whom were found to have engaged in discussions related to Khilafat and Islamic practices. Intelligence agencies suspect that apart from these two individuals, other Hizb-ut-Tahrir members have also attempted to hold meetings in villages within the region to spread their ideology.
Security Agencies on High Alert
Following the discovery of Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s suspected activities in India, central intelligence agencies have intensified their monitoring efforts. Officials believe the banned outfit may be attempting to establish a network in the region by radicalizing local youth.
The recent circulation of anti-India leaflets in Bangladesh, combined with the movement of suspected Hizb-ut-Tahrir operatives across the border, has put security forces on high alert. Authorities are now closely monitoring possible links between the group’s members in Bangladesh and India.
The incident raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures in the region, as well as the ability of banned organizations to operate despite restrictions. It remains to be seen how the governments of both India and Bangladesh will respond to this latest security threat.
