'Kalema' flags linked to ISIS, Al-Qaeda surface across Bangladesh amid World Cup buzz

The flags resemble those that have been used by international extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.

According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, rows of white flags with Arabic inscriptions have appeared over the past two weeks along major roads, flyovers and residential areas in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Bogra, Faridpur, Gopalganj and several other districts.

Several videos circulating on social media also show motorcycle processions in which participants can be seen waving similar flags.

Bangladesh Police confirmed they are monitoring the developments.

AHM Shahadat Hossain, Assistant Inspector General (Media and Public Relations), said police were closely watching processions carrying black and white flags bearing the Kalema.

"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 told the newspaper that authorities were trying to determine whether the displays were linked solely to football celebrations or whether there was a broader objective behind them.

Organisers defend the displays

Organisers of some of the rallies argued that the flags represent Islam rather than any political or militant organisation.

They said that if displaying the flags of Argentina or Brazil during the ongoing World Cup is acceptable, then waving the Kalema flag should not be viewed differently.

Experts raise alarm

Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, a criminologist, sociologist and associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research at the University of Dhaka, said the recent processions and public displays were concerning because of both the style of mobilisation and 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 was behind them.

"The issue is not the Kalema itself," he said. "The concern is whether symbols internationally associated with particular extremist organisations are being deliberately mainstreamed."

Experts have also cautioned that images of such flag-waving could have international repercussions if they are interpreted overseas as evidence of growing extremism in Bangladesh.

Police have not linked those participating in the campaigns to any banned organisation. However, participants in some gatherings have claimed they belonged to a group identifying itself as "Tawhidi Janata."

Flags bearing the Kalema were also seen at several protest rallies following the July-August movement that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Bangladesh news portal bdnews24.com reported that the latest trend was first observed in Dhaka before spreading to other parts of the country.

A Dhaka Metropolitan Police counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the unit had not yet been instructed to formally investigate the matter.

"We are watching it," the official told bdnews24.com. "It seems a group is trying to bring the behaviour or symbolism of foreign extremist organisations into the mainstream. It appears they are carefully trying to gain the moral support of ordinary religious people in the name of the Kalema."

Rights activist Nur Khan, who served on a commission formed by the interim government to investigate enforced disappearances, said the key question was the motive behind displaying the flags.

"If ordinary Muslims fly this flag, there is nothing to object to," Nur told bdnews24.com. "But there are enough reasons to fear that a group has entered into a symbolic campaign to spread an extremist political ideology."

He warned that if the flag were used as a symbol to promote extremist ideology, it could harm Bangladesh's international image, diplomatic relations and trade.

Security analyst M Sakhawat Hossain also told bdnews24.com that security agencies should identify those behind the campaign and determine its objectives.

Flags sold online

A search on Facebook shows that Kalema flags are being sold online, with prices ranging from Tk 110 to Tk 330 depending on their size.

Bangladesh has experienced significant political turbulence in recent years, particularly following the change in government. During this period, concerns have been raised by sections of political observers and security analysts about the growing visibility of hardline Islamist groups and the release of several Islamist leaders and activists from prison. The government and security agencies continue to monitor developments amid concerns over potential radicalisation.