Rise of Radicalization in South‐West Bangladesh: Analyzing Causes, Drivers, and Societal Impacts

ABSTRACT Bangladesh is currently advancing more rapidly in its economic and technological domains. Bangladesh has developed on secularism, equality, justice, and freedom. This study examines the ramifications of radicalization in the southwestern region. The investigation is conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A primary random sample method was employed as the sampling procedure. This study included both primary and secondary data. A semistructured questionnaire was used throughout the field survey. One hundred and twenty survey responses, 20 persons engaged in an in‐depth interview (IDI), and four focus group discussions (FGD) served as data collection instruments. Political violence and instability are currently evident in the radicalization process in Bangladesh. The lack of voting, internal factions, petrol bomb explosions, political cases, and power struggles among political groupings has risen by 40% over the past decade. Individuals exhibit intolerance toward religious aspects and attempt to convert others to their faith; the response rate is 40%. Minority migration and assaults on minorities are poised to become extreme. Approximately 80% of individuals lack social media literacy. The prevalence of social media protection, hate speech, and responses to religious matters is escalating in southwest Bangladesh. The generational gap in radicalization is inverted; teenagers exhibit greater radicalism than individuals over 50 years old.