Extremism in Bangladesh is no longer spreading through secret meetings or underground networks alone -- it is increasingly being fueled in plain sight through social media sermons, viral videos and provocative online rhetoric, according to analysts, rights activists and law enforcement officials.
Experts warn that radicalization today often begins subtly, through religious narratives, identity politics and emotionally charged online content that gradually pushes ordinary young people toward extremist beliefs.
The renewed debate emerged after controversial remarks by Islamic speaker Muzaffar bin Mohsin went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and renewed concerns over online extremism.
In a video circulating online, the speaker was heard saying: “The unbeliever must be killed.”
On his verified Facebook page, he also wrote that those who do not pray are “criminals worthy of death.”
The remarks sparked alarm among observers and rights activists because of the preacher’s large following among Salafi audiences across different age groups.
Analysts say modern extremism rarely begins with direct calls for violence.
Instead, it often starts with emotionally driven narratives centered on religion, injustice or identity crises.
Over time, differing beliefs are portrayed as enemies, eventually normalizing hostility and violence in the minds of followers.
“Extremism does not emerge overnight,” analysts said, warning that propaganda and distorted religious interpretations are increasingly being used online to influence young audiences.
Social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube were identified as major channels through which ideological content spreads rapidly.
The controversy surrounding Muzaffar bin Mohsin also revived memories of the 2014 killing of Islamic scholar Nurul Islam Farooqi.
Before Farooqi’s murder, Muzaffar bin Mohsin had publicly accused him of “committing shirk” and labeled him “Dajjal,” while calling for protests against him.
Days later, Farooqi was hacked to death by extremists linked to Ansarullah Bangla Team.
Muzaffar bin Mohsin was later arrested over allegations of incitement connected to the killing but was eventually dropped from the charge sheet.
More than a decade later, Farooqi’s family says justice remains incomplete.
Ahmed Reza Farooqi, son of the slain cleric, said there had been no meaningful progress in the case despite the passage of years.
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton warned that inflammatory online speeches are creating fear and increasing the risk of violence.
“Statements claiming that killing someone for not praying is permissible directly threaten freedom of belief and religious practice,” he said.
He warned that extremist groups could exploit such rhetoric to justify violence and deepen social divisions.
Government officials also acknowledged growing concerns over radical content online.
Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman recently said the country still faces a “low-level threat” of extremism and radicalism.
Law enforcement agencies say monitoring has already intensified.
Rapid Action Battalion Director General Md Ahsan Habib Palash said individuals spreading extremist content online were under surveillance and legal action was underway after verification.
Police Headquarters Additional IGP Khondaker Rafiqul Islam said cyber units were regularly monitoring extremist activity online and maintaining a “zero-tolerance” policy against extremism.
Rights activists, however, warned that surveillance alone would not solve the problem unless authorities also address online hate speech, ideological manipulation and the unchecked spread of radical narratives targeting young audiences.