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The article discusses global patterns of legitimizing radical Islamic groups after they seize power – highlighting implications for Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh.

  • The Taliban captured power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. A suicide attack by the Islamic State killed 13 U.S. troops, and $7.1 billion worth of U.S. weaponry was left behind.
  • Despite the Taliban’s controversial history, countries like the U.S., China, and Russia engaged with them, justifying it as a way to promote women’s rights and discourage terrorism.
  • India, as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president in August 2021, influenced UNSC Resolution 2593 to ensure Afghan soil was not used for terrorism, particularly against India.
  • The resolution also highlighted terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
  • In December 2021, the UNSC allowed direct donor funding to the Taliban without demanding accountability.
  • The Taliban later restricted women’s rights and denied inclusive governance, but global powers largely overlooked these developments.
  • In 2024, Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), seized power in Syria, toppling President Bashar al-Assad.
  • Despite his past as an al Qaeda leader and HTS being listed as a terrorist organization, the U.S. and the West began supporting him.
  • The U.S. removed a $10 million bounty on al-Jolani, showcasing a pattern of legitimizing groups after they seize power.
  • In Bangladesh, an interim military-led government under Muhammad Yunus has taken charge, reportedly tolerating Islamic radical groups.
  • Groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hefazat-e-Islam are gaining influence, threatening minorities and fostering anti-India rhetoric.
  • The military coup has provided a platform for extremist ideologies, reversing progress made under Sheikh Hasina’s government since 2008.
  • India supported Bangladesh during key moments, including the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles revolt, and has worked to strengthen bilateral ties over two decades.
  • The rise of extremism in Bangladesh is a significant security concern for India, which must avoid falling into the trap of viewing the issue solely through a religious lens.
  • India’s focus remains on protecting its bilateral relationship and ensuring stability in the region.
  • Global trends indicate that capturing power legitimizes radical groups, as seen in Afghanistan, Syria, and potentially Bangladesh.
  • For Bangladesh, reverting to an Islamic extremist regime would undo its democratic progress since 2008.
  • The global community, especially India, must monitor and address the resurgence of extremism to safeguard regional security.
  • The global trend of legitimizing radical groups post-power capture undermines democracy and stability.
  • India must proactively address emerging threats, especially in neighboring Bangladesh, to safeguard regional security and its strategic interests.

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