To investigate whether extremist and militant activities are resurfacing in Bangladesh, one must first evaluate the transparency of the state's policies and stance. Viewing the militant issue merely as routine law enforcement operations leaves the core crisis unaddressed. The fundamental challenge lies within the state apparatus's strategy of structural denial and a culture of concealing true data. Turning a blind eye to visible realities is akin to clinging to a false sense of security while standing on the brink of grave danger.

The most alarming concern is the statistics regarding the release and escape of criminals from the country's major prisons. A significant number of extremist accused individuals have walked out through legal loopholes or by taking advantage of unstable situations. Even several top militant leaders who escaped during prison breaks remain at large. Due to the destruction of crucial prison records or a lack of data, it has not even been possible to confirm the full identities of many who escaped. When governing authorities cannot even confirm the precise identities of fleeing individuals, claiming that the situation is completely under control is nothing short of state complacency.

The current activities of those released on bail or remaining at large are escaping state surveillance. Individuals linked to international networks of dangerous organizations like Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and skilled in spreading ideology through digital platforms have vanished after securing bail. On the other hand, reports from various sources indicate that individuals previously accused and convicted in horrific bomb attacks are becoming active in extremist networks once again. Recent recoveries of explosives and the discovery of secret hideouts across the country prove that these groups are far from dormant. The obvious gaps in intelligence surveillance during legal acquittals or bail processes have put national security to a severe test.

Assessments from the international arena offer similar warnings. According to a report by the UN Security Council Monitoring Team, international extremist organizations are currently dividing into small, decentralized cells to boost their financial and logistical capabilities. Their attempts to build strong bases by exploiting regional instability are evident. When these international groups claim responsibility for various extremist incidents in neighboring countries, brushing off their presence in the domestic context as mere 'speculation' is a strategic mistake.

It is not merely an extremist ideological pull driving this resurgence; rather, the chaos stemming from political transitions and an opportunistic political mindset have also acted as major catalysts. Exploiting the temporary lack of leadership and institutional weakness within law enforcement agencies, these groups have restructured their networks.

At the same time, the nexus between religious and political extremism cannot be ignored. The history of indulging radical ideologies for political leverage or strategic alliances calls the state's sincerity in curbing militancy into question. If any administration selectively acts against extremism based solely on its own political interests, the foundational framework of overall national security becomes fatally compromised.

Counter-terrorism units' claims of formal 'monitoring' will yield no results if restricted merely to paperwork. Effective counter-terrorism requires firm political will, comprehensive intelligence oversight, and the abandonment of administrative double standards. Unless the politics of denial is abandoned to face reality head-on, this resurgence will cause irreparable damage to national security.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Chief Editor, The Source News Bangla