Bangladesh’s decision to entertain the acquittal of Major (sacked) Syed Ziaul Haque – a convicted terrorist linked to Al Qaeda and implicated in the brutal murder of a US citizen – signals a shocking disregard for international counterterrorism efforts. Under the administration of Muhammad Yunus, accused of catering to extremist ideologies, the country is veering dangerously towards becoming a haven for global terrorism, defying not only its own commitments but also risking severe repercussions from the United States.
Bangladesh, under the administration of Muhammad Yunus, who critics claim was installed through an Islamist revolt allegedly supported by figures like Joe Biden, Barack Obama, the Clintons, and George Soros, is now embroiled in a controversy involving Islamist terrorism. The government has recently taken steps to acquit Major (sacked) Syed Ziaul Haque, a high-profile terrorist and key figure in Al Qaeda-linked Ansar Al Islam (AAI). Ziaul was convicted in absentia for orchestrating the murders of secular bloggers, including American citizen Abhijit Roy, and injuring Roy’s wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonya, also a US citizen.
The US Department of State had previously declared Ziaul one of the most wanted terrorists and offered a US$5 million reward for information leading to his capture. Ziaul had fled Bangladesh in 2013 following a failed coup attempt and had since been sheltered by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Using a Pakistani passport, he recently returned to Bangladesh after the Yunus administration removed mandatory security clearances for Pakistani nationals seeking visas.
On December 29, 2024, Ziaul formally applied for acquittal from all charges and removal from the “Most Wanted” list. His lawyer, M. Sarwar Hossain, submitted applications to various government bodies, including the Law Ministry, Home Ministry, and Inspector General of Police, seeking to nullify the convictions and withdraw the bounty. Ziaul has been sentenced to death in three cases, with four others still under trial.
Adding to the controversy, Ziaul has also petitioned the US State Department to retract its reward announcement. A former US diplomat, Jon Danilowicz, who has been on payroll of Bangladesh Nationalist Party for years reportedly lobbies on his behalf, further complicating the matter.
The Yunus administration has previously exonerated other Islamist figures, such as Jashimuddin Rahmani, leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). Following his release, Rahmani publicly called for jihad in India and implement ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’. These actions have raised concerns about Bangladesh’s commitment to counterterrorism and have sparked fears of the country becoming a hub for extremist activities.
Critics argue that these moves are part of a broader agenda to destabilize the region. They accuse Yunus of turning Bangladesh into a terrorist launchpad, undermining its security and international reputation.
The Biden administration has a vested interest in Bangladesh’s stability, particularly given Ziaul’s direct involvement in the murder of an American citizen. Defense analysts like M A Hossain warn that such actions could provoke a strong US response. Under 18 US Code § 1119, the US has the authority to prosecute individuals who harm American citizens abroad. The “Foreign Murder of United States Nationals” statute provides a framework for such cases, which require high-level approval from the Department of Justice.
Beyond criminal proceedings, the US could impose sanctions on Yunus and his associates under the Global Magnitsky Act. Such measures could include freezing assets, imposing visa bans, and restricting business dealings. Yunus’s businesses in the US, including Grameen America, could also come under scrutiny. These enterprises are reportedly linked to influential figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, further complicating the situation.
The Biden administration’s alleged support for Yunus has come under intense scrutiny. Critics claim that this backing was part of a strategy to counterbalance India’s influence in South Asia and empower Pakistan in using Bangladesh as terrorist launchpad and epicenter of transnational drug trafficking. This support, it is argued, has emboldened Yunus to take actions that challenge international norms, such as lifting visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals and acquitting known terrorists.
However, Yunus’s actions, including lifting visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals and rehabilitating convicted terrorists, have raised questions about his alignment with international norms. Furthermore, Yunus regime has granted special privilege to any consignment arriving from Pakistan via sea or air route to be discharged without mandatory inspection.
With Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20, 2025, the Yunus administration may face increased pressure. The Trump administration is likely to investigate Biden’s role in Yunus’s rise to power and examine whether US security interests were compromised. Such an inquiry could tarnish Biden’s legacy and raise questions about his counterterrorism policies.
The Yunus administration’s decision to entertain Ziaul’s request for acquittal has far-reaching implications. By disregarding the US State Department’s designation of Ziaul as a terrorist, Bangladesh risks straining its relationship with the US. Critics argue that this move not only undermines counterterrorism efforts but also jeopardizes regional stability.
The situation calls for decisive action from the US. The Biden administration must address these developments to reaffirm its commitment to global counterterrorism. Failure to act could embolden other regimes to flout international norms. Conversely, strong measures, such as sanctions or criminal prosecutions, could deter such behavior and reinforce the US’s stance against terrorism.
As Bangladesh moves closer to clearing Ziaul of all charges, the international community watches closely. The Yunus administration’s actions raise serious questions about its priorities and its commitment to combating extremism. For the US, this is a critical moment to assert its position on terrorism and protect its citizens’ interests. The response to this crisis will not only shape US-Bangladesh relations but also set a precedent for how the international community addresses state complicity in terrorism.
The Yunus administration’s blatant disregard for international counterterrorism norms and its willingness to protect individuals like Syed Ziaul Haque expose its complicity in fostering extremist ideologies. By attempting to clear a convicted terrorist responsible for the murder of an American citizen, Bangladesh not only endangers its own stability but also signals a troubling alignment with global terror networks. Such actions demand unequivocal condemnation from the international community.
The United States must respond decisively to this provocation. Failure to hold the Yunus administration accountable will embolden other regimes to defy global efforts against terrorism, jeopardizing the safety of American citizens and undermining international security. The world is watching, and the US has a moral obligation to act – not just to protect its interests but to uphold the principles of justice and counterterrorism that it champions globally.
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