Female radicalization in Bangladesh: an investigation of its scope, extent, and key motivations behind

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate dynamics surrounding female involvement in radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. The challenge of radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh is not a recent phenomenon but rather a persistent issue that the country has grappled with since the mid-1980s. During this time, numerous Muslim extremist organizations have been active in Bangladesh, operating through various phases such as incubation, formation, and operation. Surprisingly, since 2016, a concerning trend has emerged: a growing number of Bangladeshi females have become involved in extremist activities. Experts contend that a complex interplay of social, political, economic, spiritual, and individual factors has been driving this alarming rise in female militancy in Bangladesh (Orav, Shreeves, and Radjenovic 2018). 

Historically, women have played active roles in various extremist organizations worldwide, even within Muslim-majority countries. Their involvement has not been limited to secondary or subordinate positions; they have often served as leaders, showcasing their competencies in recruiting new members, mobilizing resources, and fulfilling other functional roles. Despite this, there is a prevailing misconception in many societies that radical or militant activities exclusively involve men, leading to the oversight of women’s potential involvement in acts of terrorism and violent extremism (Orav, Shreeves, and Radjenovic 2018).

Our understanding of women’s involvement in terrorism challenges deeply ingrained gender stereotypes. The prevailing perception that political violence primarily belongs to the male domain has marginalized women in mainstream discussions. This biased perspective not only restricts our insight into terrorism but also hampers efforts to grasp the intricacies of political activism and power structures. Scholars advocating for a gendered analysis contend that comprehending women’s agency in terrorism requires a nuanced approach (Villar 2019, pp.410–416). This paper not only challenges the stereotypes but also underscores the importance of understanding the complex interplay of a variety of driving factors behind this phenomenon, paving the way for a more nuanced gendered analysis of terrorism. Although traditional gender norms often relegated women to supportive roles such as logistics, recruitment, etc., contemporary studies reveal a shift in these roles. Women are increasingly taking on more active and operational roles, asserting their freedom and empowerment, within terrorist organizations. This change challenges the conventional perception of women’s lack of freedom and passivity in extremist contexts. The evolution of women’s roles in terrorism can also be attributed to the changing dynamics of extremist ideologies. Extremist propaganda has started targeting women with proclamations of granting them freedom and providing them with opportunities to feel empowered through violent means; these can be powerful motivating factors attracting individuals seeking a sense of agency and purpose (Speckhard and Yayla 2016). 

The radicalization of women into extremist ideologies and groups is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. One significant factor contributing to this process is the quest for freedom, identity, and a sense of belonging; esp. for those women who may feel marginalized or alienated in their societies (J. Horgan 2008, pp.80–94). In some cases, women perceive extremist ideologies as a means to challenge existing power structures and effect change (Ginges et al. 2011, pp.507–519). Women may be drawn to extremist ideologies that promise a utopian or idealized vision of a society where they can, ultimately, realize a sense of freedom and equality with their male counterparts. Besides, the internet has become a significant platform for the radicalization of women where online communities can reinforce extremist beliefs and provide a sense of validation (e.g., a sense of belonging through virtual sisterhood) to otherwise vulnerable women. This paper identifies that feelings of social and cultural isolation (i.e., lack of freedom) accompanied by questioning identity and a sense of not belonging (e.g., due to experiences of harassment and discrimination) within Western culture have enticed women towards extremist ideologies. 

Informed by discourse analysis, this paper investigates, primarily, two research questions: (1) What are the main driving factors for women joining Islamist militant organizations in Bangladesh? (2) What is the scope and extent of female radicalization in Bangladesh? This paper employs a mixed-method approach to investigate the scope, extent, and motivations driving female radicalization in Bangladesh. In the initial data collection phase, expert interviews were conducted. Interviewees were selected from individuals with teaching, research, and practitioner backgrounds. A total of 12 in-depth interviews were conducted; approximately half of the respondents were practitioners, and notably, four interviewees were part of a group that had interviewed 250 extremists, including female radicals, in Bangladesh. For the quantitative aspect of the study, 200 surveys were administered among university students including males and females. To gauge their perceptions regarding the scope, extent, and motivations behind female radicalization in Bangladesh, a questionnaire was developed based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data. 

The research findings of this paper emphasize three fundamental motivational factors that are driving women to radicalization and extremism in Bangladesh. 

1. Personal crises in life: identity crisis, the need for belongingness, the feeling of disenfranchisement
2. Gender perspective: to achieve greater gender equality, the role of women as important state-builders, a form of women's empowerment
3. The quest for glory, honor, adventure, and redemption

Each one of these factors is deeply connected with the American Academy of Religion's (AAR) 2025 Presidential Theme: the quest for "freedom" and empowerment. Therefore, the author of this paper argues that it should be accepted for presentation at the 2025 in-person annual meeting of AAR scheduled for November 2025 and thus, let the research findings of this paper be communicated, discussed, and debated with scholars, academicians, and researchers from around the world.