Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Extremist Group Books Sold Openly Across Bangladesh Bookstores
A report says that books written by leaders of violent extremist groups are being sold in Bangladesh.
The books can reportedly be found in regular shops, online stores, and a book fair in Dhaka.
Some are connected to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The report says the books encourage violence against civilians and attacks on government institutions.
It also says some books promote damaging economies and overthrowing governments.
The book fair is organized by the government-run Islamic Foundation.
A leader from a Bangladesh Nationalist Party-linked Islamic scholars’ group said selling the books is unacceptable.
He said the books could harm society, the country, and its stability.
Books by Al-Qaeda and Islamic State leaders are reportedly sold at shops, online retailers, and a government-run book fair in Bangladesh.
Dhaka Stream found works by Abdullah Yusuf Azzam, Osama bin Laden, and leaders of several regional militant groups.
At least 10 publishers reportedly offer the books at the Islamic Foundation fair near Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.
The publications allegedly promote attacks on civilians, government facilities, economic disruption, and destabilisation.
A Bangladesh Nationalist Party-linked Islamic scholars’ leader called the sales unacceptable and harmful to national stability.
- Who
- Publishers and retailers in Bangladesh are reportedly selling books by leaders and ideologues of Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and related militant groups; Nazrul Islam Talukdar criticized the practice.
- What
- Books allegedly advocating violence, civilian killings, sabotage, and government destabilisation are being openly sold.
- When
- The sales were reported during a month-long book fair that began on September 12; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- At the Islamic Foundation book fair near Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka, Banglabazar shops, and online bookstores in Bangladesh.
- Why
- The report says the books promote extremist violence and destabilisation, while a local Islamic scholars’ leader warned they could harm society and state stability.
- Reported source
- Dhaka Stream, a Bangladeshi news website
- Book fair
- A month-long Islamic Foundation fair beginning September 12
- Fair location
- Eastern premises of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Dhaka
- Publishers identified
- At least 10 publishers reportedly displayed the books
- Reported authors
- Abdullah Yusuf Azzam and Osama bin Laden, among others
- Reported content
- Advocacy of attacks on civilians, sabotage, mass slaughter, and government destabilisation
- Official reaction cited
- Nazrul Islam Talukdar called the sales unacceptable and harmful to stability