Security risks in Bangladesh could rise

Subject

Security risks in Bangladesh.

Significance

Bangladesh confronts an array of security risks that could undermine its reputation as a moderate Muslim-majority state. These risks arise from three main sources: political party rivalries, militant Islamist organisations with links to international jihadi networks and domestically oriented Islamist groups that reject secularism.

Impacts

• Tourism will be directly affected by further incidents of political and Islamist violence.
• A rise in violence in Bangladesh could imperil projects associated with China’s One Belt One Road initiative.
• Islamic State has threatened to attack foreign apparel firms doing business in Bangladesh, necessitating greater awareness.
• Bangladesh’s security risk is lower than that of Afghanistan and Pakistan: there is no nationwide insurgency or state links to terrorists.