### Tensions Rise in Dhaka as Police Clash with Banned Islamist Group During 'March for Khilafat' On March 7, 2025, police in Dhaka, Bangladesh, confronted members of the banned militant group Hizb-ut-Tahrir during a protest demanding the establishment of an Islamic caliphate. The demonstration, dubbed the "March for Khilafat," saw hundreds of activists gather near the Baitul Mokarram Mosque, defying police barricades. The situation escalated when law enforcement used tear gas, batons, and sound grenades to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries and arrests among the protesters [https://www.dawn.com/news/1896540/police-disperse-march-by-banned-group-in-dhaka][https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-police-use-tear-gas-disperse-islamist-march-dhaka-2025-03-07]. ### Overview of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Protest**: - The protest was organized by Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a group banned in Bangladesh for its radical views advocating for the replacement of the secular government with an Islamic caliphate [https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-hizb-ut-tahrirs-march-for-khilafat-turns-violent-as-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-protesters-13869570.html]. 2. **Police Response**: - Authorities deployed tear gas, batons, and stun grenades to control the situation, indicating a strong stance against the protestors [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/mar/7/bangladesh-police-use-batons-tear-gas-disperse-rally-banned-islamist][https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ap-international/ap-police-in-bangladesh-use-batons-and-tear-gas-to-disperse-rally-by-banned-islamist-group]. 3. **Casualties and Arrests**: - Reports indicate that many protesters were injured, and several were arrested during the clashes, highlighting the violent nature of the confrontation [https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-03-07/bangladesh-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-islamist-march-in-dhaka]. ### Key Data Points from the Protest - **Number of Protesters**: Hundreds of activists participated in the march, demonstrating significant support for Hizb-ut-Tahrir's cause [https://www.firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-hizb-ut-tahrirs-march-for-khilafat-turns-violent-as-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-protesters-13869570.html]. - **Police Tactics**: The use of tear gas and batons reflects a heightened level of police preparedness and response to potential unrest [https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-police-use-tear-gas-disperse-islamist-march-dhaka-2025-03-07]. - **Injuries and Arrests**: Specific numbers regarding injuries and arrests were not disclosed, but reports confirm that both occurred during the police action [https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ap-international/ap-police-in-bangladesh-use-batons-and-tear-gas-to-disperse-rally-by-banned-islamist-group]. ### Conclusion: A Growing Challenge for Bangladesh's Secular Government The events surrounding the "March for Khilafat" in Dhaka underscore the ongoing tensions between radical Islamist groups and the Bangladeshi government, which is committed to maintaining a secular state. 1. **Escalating Violence**: The police's aggressive response to the protest indicates a potential for increased violence in future demonstrations. 2. **Public Sentiment**: The significant turnout for the march suggests that there is a notable segment of the population that supports Hizb-ut-Tahrir's objectives, posing a challenge for the government. 3. **Future Implications**: The situation raises questions about the balance between maintaining public order and addressing the underlying grievances of radical groups in Bangladesh. The clash between police and Hizb-ut-Tahrir activists reflects broader societal tensions and the complexities of governance in a nation grappling with radical ideologies [https://www.dawn.com/news/1896540/police-disperse-march-by-banned-group-in-dhaka][https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/mar/7/bangladesh-police-use-batons-tear-gas-disperse-rally-banned-islamist].