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April 18th, 2024 | 10:50 AM ET

Extremist Groups Target Diversity in Bangladesh

Posted: July 26th, 2016

The recent attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka, Bangladesh where 20 people were brutally murdered finally brought international attention to a disturbing trend in one of the world’s largest Muslim countries. For decades, Bangladesh has suffered from an increasing trend in violent extremism from several groups, both domestic and international. But this latest attack is significant because the bakery was chosen specifically as a way to target a large group of foreigners, and ISIS claimed responsibility for it.

Bangladesh’s battle with violent extremism is as old as the country itself. Since the country’s formation in 1971, it has struggled to maintain a national identity that accommodates Muslim and secular aspects. This has grown increasingly difficult over time – and with the Awami League, the secular party, in control of the government, tensions are at an all-time high.

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