Bangladesh: Banned radical Islamist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir holds first open rally in Dhaka

Defying a long-standing ban, radical Islamist organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir held its first open rally in Dhaka on Friday, March 7, drawing thousands of participants. The group, outlawed in Bangladesh since October 2009, began its demonstration from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque following Friday prayers under the banner "March for Khilafah."

The situation escalated when law enforcement intervened to stop the procession, leading to a violent clash between police and demonstrators near the mosque. According to Dhaka Tribune, police deployed tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the rally, causing temporary scattering of protesters. However, the demonstrators regrouped and attempted to resume their march.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir, known for advocating the establishment of a global Islamic Caliphate, continues to push for uniting Muslim-majority nations under a single Islamic rule. Despite its prohibition in Bangladesh, the group's activities appear to be resurfacing.

Notably, in February, Dhaka University Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah suggested that banned Islamist outfits in Bangladesh have been operating with greater freedom in the absence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking to ANI, he revealed that several proscribed groups are not only active but have also been holding press conferences.

Hizb-ut-Tahrir remains officially banned in Bangladesh, and all its activities, including public demonstrations, are deemed illegal.