Bangladesh

Where We Work

Bangladesh

Context

Bangladesh is currently ranked 43 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2023. Violent extremist propaganda and radicalisation ideologies spread in 2021, particularly online. With the closure of educational institutions for over 540 days, adolescents and youth were at increased risk of radicalisation through popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube and Telegram. A spike in VE posts was recorded after the takeover of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

In the last quarter of 2022, the law enforcement agencies found an extremist training center in the Chittagong Hills. In a search operation, the authorities found leaflets, books on radical views, training syllabi and accounting books. The authorities identified around 80 young people from different regions who have joined the group. Some of them had been reported as missing by their families.

STORIES FROM THE GROUND

Most extremist groups use religious sentiment to fulfil their bad ambitions. The main target of the extremist groups is to create conflict and use religion for their ill intentions. Community leaders and local administrative bodies have important role in preventing violent extremism. If the community leaders discuss about PVE in public gatherings then the communities become aware of violent extremism.

– Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Sitakund

Pathways to Change

Since 2016, GCERF has invested three times in a country. GCERF’s latest round of investment began in July 2022 and will run until December 2023.

GCERF’s current round of funding builds resilience against violent extremism by suppporting youth platforms to ensure financial and existential sustainability; strengthening the advocacy and fundraising capacity of grantees and youth groups.

GCERF programming contributes to increased community agency and positive sense of purpose.

Social Cohesion

1,304,035 community members participated in awareness and sensitisation campaigns focusing on counter-narratives, preaching of non-violence by trained imams.

67,224 people reached with radio programmes, social media campaigns and other multimedia programmes on preventing violent extremism.

9,475 young people from different religions and communities, participated in cultural and sports events in educational institutions (schools, madrasas and universities).

15,677 religious leaders participated in interfaith dialogues on social cohesion.

Community Agency