While researching on global trends in initiatives for "Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism" projects, the Peacebuilding Program has been seeking a unique intervention model in partnership with local stakeholders, based on the awareness that rigorous analysis of the conflict and political background in each field and the factors behind radicalization of the targeted group is essential to design effective “deradicalization.” As an outcome of our activities, a manual for de-radicalization programs in Bangladesh has now been published by our project partner in Bangladesh, the Center for Genocide Studies at the University of Dhaka.
Bangladesh is generally thought of as a "moderate Islamic country," but since 2013 there have been a series of attacks on bloggers, foreigners, and religious minorities that were deemed "anti-Islamic," and the terrorist attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in July 2016 that killed seven Japanese was widely reported in Japan.
Based on an analysis of the profiles of 1,200 former prisoners arrested on suspicion of involvement in terrorist acts in the past, the manual presents a de-radicalization project targeting (1) violent extremists currently incarcerated, out on bail, or in custody, and (2) former prisoners who have already served their sentences, and it also partially presents a blueprint for assistance to vulnerable groups at high risk (radicalization prevention projects) as a target for civil society and others to work on. The manual proposes a set of basic principles that include gender sensitivity, compliance with human rights and the law, ensuring the safety and security of the target beneficiaries, coordination among relevant agencies, and quality intelligence. It also provides pictures of necessary activities including, training for prison and counter-terrorism personnel, counseling and intervention in 5 fields (religious counseling, psychological intervention, cultural activities, tolerance education, and legal counseling), and suggests collaboration between the government departments in charge and the agencies concerned.
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation plans to implement the activities proposed in this manual with the Dhaka University research team in FY2023.
