Understanding and Addressing Student Radicalization: Lessons from Bangladesh and the World

Globally, student radicalization has become an increasingly common phenomenon. More than any other age group, students and young people are at risk of radicalization with adverse ideologies. This study employs a secondary approach of obtaining data and focuses specifically on the risk factors associated to student radicalization. Religious terrorist groups primarily recruit young people and students into their networks. The ideological viewpoint, misinterpretation of sacred religious narratives, poverty, unemployment, intolerance for western culture, political instability, the absence of democracy, social and economic injustice, etc. are some of main risk factors that contribute to student radicalization. Educated youths are brainwashed and offered membership in terrorist groups in order get benefits such as eternal peace in heaven after death. This results in breakdowns in educational institutions, threats to security, and a decline in social unity. Furthermore, it may be beneficial in such circumstances to prevent students from getting radicalized rather than to punish the radicals. A multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach with the participation of all stakeholders can be effective in detecting and preventing the root of student radicalization.