Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, a senior figure in Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami and its International Affairs Secretary, has stirred outrage after a provocative address in New York City. Taher, who earlier served as a Member of Parliament from Comilla-12 between 2001 and 2006 and now holds the position of nayeb-e-ameer in the party, openly called for militant mobilisation against India.

His speech invoked the controversial Islamist concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind, a term frequently cited by extremist circles to justify violence.

In the widely circulated video, Taher declared: “At least five million of our youth will fight for independence against India.” He further suggested that a direct armed clash with India would give Jamaat-e-Islami an opportunity to erase its controversial reputation linked to the 1971 Liberation War.

He went on to add: “Many say there is a risk of an attack from India if Jamaat comes to power. I would say, we are praying that happens. If India enters Bangladesh, the bad name imposed on us in 1971 will be wiped off. We shall get a chance to prove ourselves as true freedom fighters.”

Taher elaborated on his vision of militant strategy, stating that while some Jamaat youth would launch guerrilla warfare within Bangladesh, another section would infiltrate into Indian territory to execute the so-called Ghazwa-e-Hind. This concept is often described as an apocalyptic Islamist fantasy, promoted by extremist ideologues to justify hostility against India.

His inflammatory words come at a time of heightened tensions. The fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently sheltering in India after her government was ousted by Islamist-led protests, has further sharpened anti-India sentiment. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now heads the interim government. Since Islamists gained dominance in Dhaka, minorities—especially Hindus—have reported increasing incidents of violence, vandalism of temples, and fear-driven displacement.

By invoking armed struggle, Taher’s rhetoric seeks to turn existing hostility into a narrative of resistance. His attempt to brand India as an aggressor risks destabilising Bangladesh further and could drag the region into a cycle of violent confrontation.

Who is Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher

Born in 1958, Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher is a seasoned Bangladeshi politician with a long and controversial career. He represented the Comilla-12 constituency in the seventh parliamentary elections (2001–2006). Currently, he sits on the Central Working Committee of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and serves as its International Affairs Secretary.

Taher began his political journey through the student wing, Islami Chatra Shibir. He rose to become its Secretary General and later served as its Central President for two consecutive terms between 1985–86 and 1986–87.

Elected as a Member of Parliament in 2001, he held seats in two parliamentary bodies—the Public Accounts Committee and the Public Undertaking Committee.

Taher’s political life has been repeatedly overshadowed by criminal allegations. On 7 March 2007, he was arrested by joint forces under the caretaker government on charges of extortion, looting, and land grabbing. Although he secured interim bail on 7 August 2008, his troubles continued.

On 2 January 2013, Taher was once again arrested by RAB personnel, this time in connection with arson, police attacks, and conspiracy against the government. After spending time in custody, he was later released on bail.

Photographs of Taher exchanging greetings with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus have circulated widely, sparking commentary on his connections within Bangladesh’s political landscape. On 16 October 2023, Taher also met with Matthew Bay, the First Political Secretary at the United States Embassy, underlining his ongoing international outreach.