Framing Terrorism in Bangladesh: Examining Western‐Centric Influences and the Case for a Postcolonial Approach

This article critically examines the enduring West‐centric and state‐centric nature of terrorism scholarship and counterterrorism strategies in Bangladesh, which perpetuate the Islam‐terrorism discourse while neglecting the country's unique socio‐political context. Drawing on postcolonial theory and Critical Terrorism Studies (CTS), the research adduces how existing frameworks prioritize state security and external narratives, overlooking critical local factors such as political manipulation, socio‐economic disparities, and historical legacies. Bangladesh's terrorism scholarship and counterterrorism strategies, heavily influenced by Western models, often reinforce these limitations by focusing narrowly on immediate security threats and ideological concerns. This approach sidelines deeper structural issues that drive radicalization, such as governance challenges and socio‐political grievances. The article argues for a rethinking of terrorism scholarship in Bangladesh through the integration of postcolonial perspectives. This approach deconstructs the colonial underpinnings of key concepts like “radicalization” and “extremism,” offering a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between local and global factors in shaping extremism. By addressing these gaps, the study advocates for counterterrorism strategies that are both contextually relevant and effective in mitigating the complex drivers of radicalization. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader and more inclusive discourse on terrorism, providing critical insights for addressing extremism in the Global South. Related Articles Mostofa, Shafi Md. 2017. “Prison Radicalization: A Persisting Threat for Bangladesh.” Politics and Policy 52(3): 655–669. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12605 . Awan, Imran. 2012. “‘I Am a Muslim Not an Extremist’: How the Prevent Strategy Has Constructed a ‘Suspect’ Community.” Politics and Policy 40(6): 1158–1185. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00397.x . Spalek, Basia. 2010. “Community Policing, Trust, and Muslim Communities in Relation to ‘New Terrorism.’” Politics and Policy 38(4): 789–815. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00258.x .