The Bangladeshi political establishment often very quick to ignore the rapidly rising Islamic violence. Since 1975 we the moderate-secularists of the country fighting the conservative Islamists over conceptions of the role of religion in politics. Unfortunately our progressive voices were never heard since the killing of the Father of the nation Bangobondhu Seikh Mujibor Rahman. Violence of fundamentalist Islamic forces always gained an upper hand over us-the secularists.

Though the violent extremists represent a small proportion of our population but due to weak leadership of our political establishment, they managed to have a greater influence in our national politics. In last 15 year Islamic extremism gone viral which now bringing disgrace to the entire nation.

It could have been different. If our politicians had put a little effort Bangladesh could have served as a model democracy. It could show the world that a country with ninety percent Muslim population can embrace democratic values as our brand of Islam is not same as Arab's. For most of the Muslim's Islam here is deeply influenced by our centuries old traditions of peace and harmony. Historically we are secular. Before the creation of Pakistan, Hindus and muslim shared our land with peace and harmony. To liberate our people Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists fought together against evil fundamentalists. therefore, there should not be any room for tolerance for religious extremism in Bangladesh.

The Elephant in the room is "Political Islam". There are hundreds of evidence that Islamic extremism develops from the evil practice of political Islam. You use Islam for political gain you pay the price, it's a simple equation. And still political Islam appears as a powerful force in our political decision making. Despite knowing that political use of Islam creates hatred, terrorism and intolerance both of our largest political forces left wing Awami League and center right BNP use political Islam to gain office. There is no religion in the world that preaches equality and tolerance. Now by associating power to that you add violence to the equation.

Analyzing the current security situation of the country no one has to be an expert to conclude political Islam and recent violence are connected. The excessive use of Islam has taken a radical shape in Bangladesh. In last few months we have witnessed worst record of Islamic militancy. It is now creating crisis for our democratic process and our economic advancement.

The most alarming fact is we are exporting terrorism even to our neighbors. India has accused Bangladesh for exporting terrorism in many occasions in recent years. It questions our credibility as a peaceful country. Many has tried to brush off the allegation. However the history of terrorism tells us that the terrorists never remains confined within boundary. The terrorists ideology does not recognize geographical boundaries. It is their tendency to extend their evil activities across the land.

Apparently, the emergence of Political Islam has completely changed our political and social landscape. Our political leadership should now identify the wake up call and start promoting secular democratic ideals. Instead of ignoring they must acknowledge the fact that religious extremism and intolerance has risen alarmingly. The Islamic militants are now not only threatening our peaceful democratic progress they also contributing to our poor record of human rights and security situation.

With optimism one could say, because of our age old traditions secularism will prevail, t's just a matter of time. However our law enforcement agencies have a large part to play to control the current situation. Apparently, the militants has changed their strategy but our state agencies still largely relying on old techniques. It seems they are struggling with multiple problems- inefficiency, logistics, training, infighting between agencies and intelligence. Countries effected by Islamic militants developing modern state-of-the-art technologies to combat militants. So should we. It is never late to develop new technologies. We need a more specialized unit armed with modern technology to combat this evil.