Bangladesh: Yunus Govt’s appointment of Hizb-ut-Tahrir founder as Home Secretary sparks controversy

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern both domestically and internationally, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Mohamed Yunus, has appointed Nasimul Gani, a founding member of the terrorist organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), as the new Home Secretary on December 25. This appointment comes amidst a series of actions reflecting an Islamist tilt by the new administration.

Gani, who had previously served as the private secretary to BNP leader Jamir Uddin Sircar, is not new to the corridors of power. His association with HuT dates back to the year 2000 when he co-founded the organisation in Bangladesh under the mentorship of Syed Golam Maula, a then professor at Dhaka University. This establishment occurred during the BNP-Jamaat-e-Islami government’s tenure. Gani was forced to retire from government service in 2013, a period when HuT intensified its terrorist activities in the region.

The appointment is particularly contentious as it follows the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, whose government had banned HuT in 2009 for its radical ideologies and actions aimed at overthrowing democratically elected governments to establish an Islamic Caliphate. Critics argue that this move by the Yunus government might signal a shift towards policies that could potentially destabilise the secular fabric of Bangladesh.

The Yunus administration has been noted for its Islamist leanings, with this appointment following closely on the heels of Mahfuz Alam’s elevation to state adviser. Alam, another figure linked to HuT, was instrumental in the Islamist protests that led to Hasina’s departure from power. His role as a ‘special assistant’ to Yunus before this promotion underscores a possible strategy to integrate Islamist figures into the governmental structure.

The political landscape in Bangladesh has seen significant upheaval, with Islamist groups like HuT, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, and Ansarullah Bangla Team orchestrating what was claimed to be student protests in August, which ultimately led to Hasina’s exit from the country. This has raised alarms about the potential for increased radicalisation and the undermining of democratic institutions.

Internationally, this appointment has raised eyebrows, especially given India’s recent classification of HuT as a terrorist organisation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The Indian government has cited HuT’s involvement in radicalising youth, raising funds for terror activities, and posing threats to national security. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India has been actively probing HuT’s activities, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where members were charged with planning terror attacks and promoting anti-India sentiments.

The NIA’s chargesheet against Abdul Rehman and Mujibu Rehman in Tamil Nadu highlighted HuT’s ambitions to enforce Sharia law and establish a Caliphate through violent means. The agency also uncovered plots involving military showcases to incite jihad against the Indian state.

Founded in Jerusalem in 1953 by Taqiuddin al-Nabhan, HuT has grown into a global entity with operations in over 30 countries, advocating for a universal Islamic Caliphate. Despite being banned in numerous countries including Bangladesh, China, Russia, and several others, HuT continues to influence through secretive operations and radical propaganda.

In Bangladesh, the early 2000s saw HuT targeting educated youth and university students to propagate its extremist views. The group’s activities have included organising rallies for Khalifah’s establishment and leveraging local issues like corruption and economic disparity to gain support. Their engagement with the Rohingya crisis has also been a platform to push their agenda.

The appointment of Nasimul Gani as Home Secretary is more than a mere administrative decision; it is indicative of a broader ideological shift within Bangladesh’s political sphere. As the international community watches, the implications for regional stability, democratic governance, and the fight against terrorism are profound.