The rapid spread of white flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith (Kalima) across roads, bridges and neighbourhoods in Dhaka and several other districts has triggered growing security concerns, with police launching inquiries and experts warning that the use of designs resembling those adopted by internationally designated extremist groups could damage Bangladesh’s image abroad.
Over the past two weeks, rows of white flags with Arabic inscriptions have appeared along major roads, flyovers and residential areas in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Bogra, Faridpur, Gopalganj and several other districts.
Motorcycle processions and rallies carrying similar flags have also circulated widely on social media, accompanied in some cases by slogans rejecting the traditional display of Argentina and Brazil flags during the FIFA World Cup.
Police Headquarters confirmed that law enforcement agencies are monitoring the issue to determine whether the displays are purely religious expressions or part of a coordinated campaign with other objectives.
AHM Shahadat Hossain, assistant inspector general (AIG Media and Public Relations) said police were closely watching processions carrying black and white flags bearing the Kalima.
“Any attempt to mislead people in the name of Islam will not be tolerated. If anyone uses these flags to pursue personal or organisational interests, legal action will be taken,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Another police official said authorities are verifying whether the displays are related only to football celebrations or whether there is a broader purpose behind them.
Officials in Narayanganj also said they were investigating the motives behind the widespread display of the flags in parts of the district.
Those involved in the campaign insist the flags represent Islam rather than any political or militant organisation.
Some participants argue that if supporters are free to display the flags of Argentina or Brazil during the World Cup, displaying a flag carrying the Kalima should not be viewed differently.
However, security analysts caution that the concern lies not with the Kalima itself but with the specific designs being used.
For decades, organisations including Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State group and other extremist organisations have used similar black or white flags bearing Arabic inscriptions as part of their visual identity.
As a result, analysts say such imagery is widely recognised internationally as being associated with extremist movements, regardless of the intention of those displaying it.
Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, prominent criminologist, sociologist, and associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka, said the recent processions and public displays were concerning both for their style of mobilisation and for the unfamiliar groups involved.
“There is long-standing social, cultural and religious harmony in Bangladesh. No group should be allowed to establish its presence in a way that creates public anxiety or confusion,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
Former adviser and security analyst Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said law enforcement agencies should identify those organising the campaigns and determine whether any organised group is behind them.
“The issue is not the Kalima itself,” he said. “The concern is whether symbols internationally associated with particular extremist organisations are being deliberately mainstreamed.”
Experts also warned of possible international repercussions if images of such processions are interpreted overseas as evidence of growing extremism in Bangladesh.
They said any such perception could affect the country’s international reputation, investment climate and overseas labour market.
Videos circulating online show flags being displayed in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Bogra and several other districts, while some gatherings have identified themselves as “Tawhidi Janata”.
Authorities have not publicly linked the participants to any banned organisation.
Bangladesh declared a zero-tolerance policy against violent extremism several years ago, and analysts say the latest developments highlight the need for careful investigation while distinguishing between legitimate religious expression and any attempt to exploit religious symbols for political or extremist purposes.
Police said monitoring of the activities would continue and legal action would be taken if evidence emerges that the displays are being used to promote unlawful activities or extremist agendas.