The number of people with radical views has risen significantly despite the decline in terror attacks due to the vigilance of law enforcers after the Holey Artisan incident.
A leadership crisis within militant organisations means that they can no longer actively engage in terror acts.
While the government has taken several attempts to de-radicalise people with extreme views, law enforcers feel that militants are active and looking for ways to re-organise.
Statistics show that between 2013 and 1 July 2016, the number of terror attacks were highest.
Although the number of attacks in 2018 is less, the ones that were carried out were sensational with author and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Porfessir Muhamamd Zafar Iqbal being the victim. Law enforcers identified the attacker as self radicalised.
The same year, writer, publisher and owner of Vishakha Publishers Shahjahan Bacchu was shot dead by militants.
In 2019, five terror attacks on the police was reported where pedestrians were amongst the injured. The cell responsible for the attack was subsequently arrested.
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC), managed to shatter the militant network while aided by the drives conducted by Rapid Action Battalion, terror attacks dropped significantly after the Holey Artisan incident.
Dhaka University Criminology and Criminal Justice Department chief Dr Zia Rahman, said: “After Holey Artisan, people have become vocal against extremism and are supporting law enforcers.”
CTTC chief Monirul Islam, added: “Compared to 2016, militant attacks have fallen by 90 per cent but radicalism has risen; due to crisis in leadership, the militants cannot regroup. They do not have a leader with the required appeal.”
OPEN INTERNET FOMENTING RADICALISM
Internet is being used to disseminate militant values and radicals are always spreading messages of intolerance and hate. They are using religious reference to gain trust from the people.
STEPS FOR DE-RADICALISATION

Monirul Islam says that efforts are underway in 32 districts to bring radicalised people to normal lives.
“Students of schools, colleges, madrasas, police, members of the civil society, journalists are taking part in this and they are being taught how to refrain from being indoctrinated by extreme ideals and the methods to inject reason into a radical mind,” he said.
He added that the government has also adopted a zero tolerance policy in tackling militancy and they are getting patronage from the government and that with education and awareness, militancy can be prevented.
REHABILITATION FOR RADICALS
The police are rehabilitating radicals who have been released from prison. Monirul Islam says: “Ee have collected a list of 42 people; of them, only eight need financial support and we provided them with the required assistance. The others were isolated people and were failing to integrate with others and we worked to develop a sense of inclusion in them.”