Preventing Extremism: The Role of National Security Forces in Countering Terrorism in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper will examine how national security agencies prevent extremism and counter terrorism in Bangladesh and how these mechanisms of operation and organization can influence the effectiveness of counterterrorism. This study combines both quantitative and qualitative data analysis of the trends of terrorism using a comparative mixed-method design, through the examination of semi-structured interviews and documentary materials. The paper discusses the co-ordination of national security organs like the police, intelligence, and counterterrorism special units in addressing the ever-changing terrorism threat in the country. The results show that the number of cases associated with terrorism went down significantly in 2013 to 2021, and increased in 2023, which indicates a cyclical trend to extremist actions due to the suppressive phase and the adjustment phase. This trend reflects the difficulty of maintaining counterterrorism advantages over time, as extremist groups typically change their approaches to counteractions of the states. Also, the data on fatalities have shown that the number of terrorist-related deaths has dropped in the early 2020s, whereas in 2023 the number of civilian victims highlights the difficulty in combating terrorism without losing public confidence. The GTI score of Bangladesh decreased in 2023, which indicates that the situation related to security was ameliorated, but also indicates that the risk of extremist groups is significant. The study, on the basis of these findings, proposes to improve the inter-agency coordination, invest in the intelligence-led policing, improve the community engagement, and optimize the counterterrorism legal frameworks. These are essential measures that ensure the prevention of extremism and enhancing the efficiency of counterterrorism measures in the long run. The analysis also recommends further adjustment to new terrorist strategies and long-term training of the population to support the national security in a highly geopolitically unstable environment.