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Shafi Md Mostofa

Shafi Md Mostofa

Shafi Md Mostofa, Ph.D., is an associate professor of World Religions and Culture at the University of Dhaka and a post-doctoral research fellow of the Democracy Institute at the Central European University, Hungary.

He is a theologian and security studies scholar with broad interests in political Islam, authoritarianism, modern South Asian history and politics, and international relations and the clash of civilizations. He has published extensively with Routledge, Springer, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, SAGE, and Wiley and Blackwell; and the journals: Politics and Religion, Politics and Policy, Perspectives on Terrorism, Asian and African Studies, and Peace and Conflict Review. His sole authored book published from Palgrave Macmillan in 2021 on “Islamist Militancy in Bangladesh: A Pyramid Root Cause Model.”

Mostofa did his Ph.D. from the University of New England, Australia in 2020 with IPRA scholarship. He was awarded a Gold Medal by the President of Bangladesh for topping the MA examination in 2012 from the University of Dhaka. He contributes articles on Bangladeshi politics, religion, minority rights, human rights, and secularism.

Posts by Shafi Md Mostofa
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December 19, 2022

Bangladesh Government Arrests Jamaat-e-Islami Chief for Extremist Links

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Political calculations rather than security imperatives seem to underlie the Awami League government’s decision.
December 11, 2022

Bangladesh’s Opposition Demands Government’s Resignation at Massive Dhaka Rally

By Shafi Md Mostofa
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party says it will boycott general elections if they are not held under a neutral caretaker government.

November 22, 2022

Government-Opposition Confrontation Looms in Bangladesh

By Shafi Md Mostofa
The ruling Awami League is concerned over the massive rally that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has planned at Dhaka on December 10.

November 01, 2022

Bangladesh’s Opposition Mobilizes Against the Government

By Shafi Md Mostofa
The economic crisis has provided the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party with a stick to beat the ruling Awami League.

October 12, 2022

New Islamist Militant Outfit Emerges in Bangladesh

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Seven members of al-Qaida-affiliated Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya were arrested recently.
October 06, 2022

India Bans Popular Front of India and its Affiliates for Five Years

By Shafi Md Mostofa
An Islamist group that uses the grievance discourse to mobilize supporters, the PFI has over 500,000 members across India.

September 21, 2022

Tensions Escalate Along Bangladesh-Myanmar Border

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Shelling from Myanmar into the Bangladeshi side of the border has increased in recent weeks, resulting in death and injuries to Rohingya.
September 09, 2022

Sheikh Hasina’s Visit to Delhi Disappoints Bangladesh

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Seven MoUs were signed during the Bangladeshi prime minister’s visit but no progress was made on clinching a deal on the Teesta.

August 24, 2022

Bangladesh Parties Turn to Political Opportunism as Elections Draw Close

By Shafi Md Mostofa
With Islamists displaying support for secular celebrations and secular parties burnishing their Islamist credentials, is Bangladesh heading toward political syncretism or hybridization?

August 04, 2022

Bangladesh Tightens Its Belt as Forex Crisis Looms

By Shafi Md Mostofa
In addition to seeking a $4.5 billion loan from the IMF, the government is taking measures to cut down on foreign exchange spending.

July 20, 2022

Why Was Hefazat-e-Islam Silent on ‘Blasphemous’ Remarks by BJP Officials?

By Shafi Md Mostofa
The Bangladeshi Islamist group appears to be prioritizing the release of its jailed leaders and is avoiding antagonizing the government at present.
July 01, 2022

Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge Built Against All Odds

By Shafi Md Mostofa
Will the multi-purpose bridge, which is expected to boost the economy, yield electoral and political dividend for the ruling Awami League?

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