OVER 66 percent of the female terror suspects in the country got involved in militancy being influenced by their family members, mostly their husbands, according to findings of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTCU). The case of their involvement increased after the “Neo JMB” emerged in 2014. About 63 percent of the suspects belong to the militant outfit, which is responsible for the July 1, 2016 Holey Artisan attack.
Around 42 percent of female terror suspects are either graduates or doing their graduation and Master’s courses. About 46 percent were influenced by their husbands to join violent extremism. The CTTCU came up with the findings analysing the profiles of 41 female militant suspects arrested in the last couple of years.
At least 85 females have so far been arrested on terror charges and 11 other suspects were killed in different anti-militancy drives. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organised the event on “Prevention of Violent Extremism from a Gender Perspective” at a city hotel. The exact number of the women involved in terrorism is difficult to estimate as they usually remain out of suspicion.
Though the role of females was largely limited to assisting the males, recruitment and terror financing, some females were found to be equipped with suicide vests during anti-militant drives. According to CTTCU, 26 percent female suspects come from affluent families.
Family members, especially mothers, sisters and wives, can play a vital role in preventing violent extremism as they are among the first to notice early signs of radicalisation of their near ones. If they can be taught to recognise the advent of radicalisation in their loved ones then they can figure out ways to combat terrorism early and help prevent many people from turning to be a fully radical terrorist.
Hence the law enforcement authorities have to do its utmost to prevent further radicalisation among those members who belong to fringe groups in society to ensure that they don’t cross the red line between true religious belief and extremist viewpoints.
Around 42 percent of female terror suspects are either graduates or doing their graduation and Master’s courses. About 46 percent were influenced by their husbands to join violent extremism. The CTTCU came up with the findings analysing the profiles of 41 female militant suspects arrested in the last couple of years.
At least 85 females have so far been arrested on terror charges and 11 other suspects were killed in different anti-militancy drives. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organised the event on “Prevention of Violent Extremism from a Gender Perspective” at a city hotel. The exact number of the women involved in terrorism is difficult to estimate as they usually remain out of suspicion.
Though the role of females was largely limited to assisting the males, recruitment and terror financing, some females were found to be equipped with suicide vests during anti-militant drives. According to CTTCU, 26 percent female suspects come from affluent families.
Family members, especially mothers, sisters and wives, can play a vital role in preventing violent extremism as they are among the first to notice early signs of radicalisation of their near ones. If they can be taught to recognise the advent of radicalisation in their loved ones then they can figure out ways to combat terrorism early and help prevent many people from turning to be a fully radical terrorist.
Hence the law enforcement authorities have to do its utmost to prevent further radicalisation among those members who belong to fringe groups in society to ensure that they don’t cross the red line between true religious belief and extremist viewpoints.
