Syed Shemul Parvez :
Images of processions carrying black flags emblazoned with the Kalema have recently gone viral on social media in the wake of maligning the July uprising in Bangladesh by some Indian media outlets.
These marches have been linked to calls for halting the genocide in Palestine-Lebanon, protesting insults against the Prophet of Islam, or demanding the establishment of an Islamic caliphate. Arrests have been made in connection with these processions.
While some people have criticised the marches, others, driven by emotion, have adopted the black flag as their Facebook profile picture.
However, many remain suspicious, questioning whether these actions are politically motivated or part of a hidden agenda of local and foreign friends of the fascist government.
Law enforcers claim that those participating in the marches with black flags are members of the banned militant group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Notably, many of the participants were identified as students from reputable schools and colleges in the capital.
Last Friday, Islamic Andolon Bangladesh held a protest march from the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram against Israeli attacks in the Middle Eastern countries like Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. Three individuals were arrested during the demonstration.
Additionally, on Sunday, students from various schools and colleges in Dhaka were seen marching with black flags in different parts of the capital, including in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Students of the Notre Dame College, Dhaka College, and Wills Little Flower School and College were involved in these processions, where slogans such as “Moktir ak path, Khilafat-Khilafat” and “Tomi K, Ami K, Muslim-Muslim” were chanted.
A video of a procession in Kishoreganj went viral on social media last Friday, with participants protesting insults against the Prophet and demanding the establishment of an Islamic Caliphate.
Allegedly, some individuals in the procession carried black flags and wore colorful mufflers.
In addition to the black Kalema flag, a different flag was also seen in the Kishoreganj procession. Fact-checker Kadruddin Shishir shared a photo from the video, revealing that an ISIS flag was flown in the procession.
He explained that the flag, often used by ISIS and resembling the Al-Qaeda flag, was also displayed.
Commenting on the situation, Dr. Tawohidul Haque, an expert on social and criminal issues from the University of Dhaka, warned of a possible conspiracy.
He suggested that certain groups are trying to disrupt the state’s reform efforts by using students to display ISIS flags and chant controversial slogans.
He stressed that students might not fully understand the implications of their actions and urged parents and educational institutions to remain vigilant.
Dr. Haque also raised concerns about possible international involvement in the situation, urging law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly.
He added that all sectors of society need to be conscious of their children’s actions.
Dhaka University Professor Saiful Alam Chowdhury pointed out that both Kalema Tayyiba and ISIS flags have been displayed during recent processions, noting the alarming rise in their usage in Bangladesh.
Fellow Professor Shafi Mohammad Mustafa echoed these concerns, stating that the use of such flags could lead to Bangladesh being associated with extremist groups.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moinul Islam confirmed that three individuals were arrested for marching with ISIS flags.
He noted that many militants and top terrorists escaped from prisons after the recent uprising, with some participating in these marches.
Hizb ut-Tahrir’s media coordinator has also been arrested, and police operations against banned organisations continue.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mainul Hasan acknowledged that Hizb ut-Tahrir is attempting to re-establish a presence despite the ban.
The DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, led by Masud Karim, is closely monitoring the situation and investigating potential links to banned organisations.
Arrested individuals are being interrogated, and several others are under surveillance.