Preparation Staff asked 2 days ago According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, Bangladesh ranks 35th with a score of 3.03, improving from its 32nd position in 2024.
Understanding the Global Terrorism Index (GTI)
The GTI is an annual report published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) that assesses the impact of terrorism worldwide. It provides a comprehensive summary of global trends and patterns in terrorism, offering insights into the severity and impact of terrorist activities across different countries. The index combines various indicators, including the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and the extent of property damage caused by terrorist acts, to produce a composite score for each country. This score facilitates the ranking of countries based on their relative exposure to terrorism.
Bangladesh's Position in the GTI
In the 2025 GTI, Bangladesh's score of 3.03 places it 35th globally, reflecting a positive trend from its 2024 score. This improvement suggests a reduction in the impact of terrorism within the country. Notably, Bangladesh's position is more favorable compared to some of its South Asian neighbors, including India and Pakistan, as well as the regional average.
Contextual Factors Influencing Bangladesh's GTI Score
Several factors contribute to Bangladesh's current standing in the GTI:
Online Radicalization: In 2021, there was a notable spread of violent extremist propaganda and radicalization ideologies, particularly through online platforms. The prolonged closure of educational institutions during this period increased the risk of youth being radicalized via social media channels such as Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram. A surge in extremist content was observed following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan.
Discovery of Extremist Training Facilities: In late 2022, law enforcement agencies uncovered an extremist training center in the Chittagong Hills. The operation led to the discovery of materials promoting radical views and the identification of approximately 80 individuals who had joined the group, some of whom were reported missing by their families.
Counterterrorism Efforts and Regional Comparisons
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh's counterterrorism efforts have yielded positive results. The country's score of 3.03 indicates a lower impact of terrorism compared to regional counterparts. This achievement can be attributed to proactive measures taken by law enforcement agencies, community engagement initiatives, and international cooperation aimed at combating terrorism and preventing radicalization.
Conclusion
Bangladesh's improvement in the Global Terrorism Index 2025 reflects a positive trend in reducing the impact of terrorism. However, ongoing vigilance and comprehensive strategies are essential to address emerging threats and sustain this progress. Continued efforts in countering online radicalization, dismantling extremist networks, and fostering regional cooperation will be crucial in maintaining and further enhancing Bangladesh's standing in future GTI assessments.
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