Not enough deradicalisation programmes in the country
Lack of family bonding and proactive parenting, intolerance to different views and unhealthy use of social media are some of the reasons leading the youth towards violent extremism, speakers at a roundtable said yesterday.
The state should also apply soft approaches like deradicalisation programmes to prevent extremism in society, they said.
Bangla daily Prothom Alo and rights group Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised the roundtable on “prevention of radicalisation and extremism through social harmony”, at a conference room of CA Bhaban.
Speaking at the programme, Air Cdre (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Chowdhury, registrar of East West University, said the radical forces have gained power, so the challenge is getting more difficult.
Meanwhile, there has been no significant investment in social programmes to prevent violent extremism, he pointed out.
“The accused in extremism-related cases are sent to jail. But inside prison, there is no deradicalisation programme… In fact, they are becoming more radicalised there…” Ishfaq Ilahi said.
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the government and non-governmental organisations worked hard to tackle extremism after the Holey Artisan attack.
“But we should now give more attention to develop social harmony and unity in diversity. If we can’t accept different views and diversity, it will give rise to misinterpretation of religion,” she added.
Anisul Hoque, novelist and associate editor of Prothom Alo, emphasised on love and affection between family members.
Pointing out the other driver, AKM Nazmul Haider, an IT specialist, said youths are gradually becoming self-centred and spending more time on social media than with family.
It becomes harder when someone is motivated [towards extremist causes] through social media… parenting is very important in this regard, he added.
Kazi Maruful Islam, a professor of Development Studies at Dhaka University, said the state has a greater responsibility to create a free space for youths.
Freedom of expression, among others, should be ensured, so that people can share their thoughts and opinions, he added.
Shafqat Munir, a research fellow with the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, said the cases of violent extremism should not only be seen through the eyes of law enforcement agencies’ ant-terrorism drive.
Different social concepts should also be introduced to fight extremism, he added.
Moderating the roundtable, Prothom Alo Associate Editor Abdul Quayum said parents need to have a positive mentality towards their children to give them a pleasant childhood.
DU professor Touhidul Islam, UNDP employee Faisal Bin Majid, singer Dilshad Nahar Kona, MJF’s Deputy Programme Manager Shahzadi Begum, Eastern University student Ashrafunnesa Mouri, and Bangladesh Youth Club President Arefin Rahman Himel also spoke at the programme.
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