Bangladesh

Where We Work

Bangladesh

Context

Bangladesh is currently ranked 32 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2024. 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.

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.

I can confidently say that the youth from my area will not engage in any radical activities. There is no radicalised person in our ward. This is due to our consistent engagement with youth through peace clubs. To sustain the activities of peace clubs, we will register under the government and apply for funding. We will collaborate with local organisations and people to strengthen our funding.