Public Empowerment of Banned Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh: Interim Government's Leniency Enables Leader’s Appointment as City Corporation Administrator

Public Empowerment of Banned Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh: Interim Government's Leniency Enables Leader’s Appointment as City Corporation Administrator
Dhaka, Bangladesh – May 22, 2025

Md. Ejaz was appointed as the Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation without undergoing a mandatory security clearance process. A recently leaked intelligence report reveals that Ejaz was the fifth-highest-ranking leader of the banned militant organization Hizb ut-Tahrir. He has reportedly been arrested multiple times due to his links with the organization.

Al Jazeera journalist Zulkarneyn Sayer disclosed these intelligence reports through a Facebook post. According to the report, Ejaz had previously been charged with anti-state activities and financing terrorism. Hizb ut-Tahrir has been banned in Bangladesh since 2009 by the Awami League government. Law enforcement agencies state that the group has consistently engaged in extremist activities, terrorism, and attempts to incite political revolution across the country.

The intelligence report also mentions that Ejaz was involved in Islami Chhatra Shibir’s student politics during his academic years. His association with Hizb ut-Tahrir reportedly began in 2002. A 2014 security agency report identified him as the organization’s fifth top leader. He was arrested under the Special Powers Act in late 2014 and later released on bail. Intelligence sources allege that after his release, he remained actively involved with the organization.

Following the political shift on August 5, 2024, Ejaz was acquitted of his charges on November 10. Shortly afterward, he was appointed as the Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation. Hizb ut-Tahrir was reportedly involved in the July-August political violence alongside protesters. In a BBC Bangla interview, the top leadership of Hizb ut-Tahrir confirmed their role as stakeholders in the movement. Subsequently, numerous cases against their leaders were dismissed or suspended, and many imprisoned militants were released.

Bangladeshi security agencies continue to monitor and conduct operations against members of this organization, which is considered a significant threat due to its political influence and terrorist activities. Allegations suggest that the appointment of Ejaz was influenced by Advisor Rizwana Hasan, who recommended him to another advisor, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.

The intelligence report confirms that no security clearance was obtained prior to Ejaz’s appointment, raising serious concerns. Security analyst and former national intelligence officer Aminul Haque stated, “Appointing someone to such a position without proper security vetting is a major challenge to good governance and national security policy. If the allegations of links to a banned organization are substantiated, such appointments can pose serious political and security risks.” He further pointed out that the current interim government of Bangladesh appears to be linked to militant networks, stating, “The August 5 uprising was a suicide mission funded by the deep state, aimed at overthrowing Sheikh Hasina’s government.”