Hoisting of flags with 'Kalema' sparks debate, controversy, concern

Across Bangladesh, white and black flags bearing the Kalema Tayyiba in Arabic script have appeared on flyovers, bridges, rural markets and university hostels, sparking debate over religious sentiment and political implications. 

The controversy began on 16 June, when local youths and madrasa students hoisted Kalema flags on the Jatrabari flyover in Dhaka. After authorities removed them the next day, organisers called it an "insulting the flag of Islam", replaced the flags and launched nationwide processions demanding protection of the "dignity of the flag".

Similar demonstrations have since occurred in Narayanganj, Hemayetpur, Shapla Chattar, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Jessore, Bagerhat, Sylhet, Chittagong, Pabna, Jamalpur, Sandwip, Kotalipara, Faridpur and Bogra. In Madaripur, over 150 people joined a motorcycle rally, where imam Tariqul Islam said the aim was to help Muslims understand "what is the goal of Islam." At Jahangirnagar University, four students were asked to explain hoisting the flag from a hostel balcony.

*    Such "mischief" can hamper national unity: Religious Affairs Minister
*    This may threaten remittances, investors' confidence: Shakhwat Hossain, former Adviser
*    There ‘must be a specific plan’: Dr Zahed, PM's Adviser
*    DMP Commissioner confirms formal investigation

A group calling itself Tawhidi Janata marched in Sherpur, Bogra, carrying Kalema flags and protesting the alleged removal of the Jatrabari flag. The group has previously been linked to alleged attacks on shrines, pir dargahs and Baul akhras. 

Much of the campaign has been linked to a viral sermon by Hefazat-e-Islam joint chief of staff Mufti Harun Izhar, who urged followers to fly the Kalema flag "opposite foreign flags" Argentina and Brazil flags during the football World Cup. Uploaded to Facebook on 13 June, the sermon is widely seen as triggering the movement.

Commercialisation quickly followed, with flags costing Tk110 to Tk330 sold through Ibarah, As Sidak, Nusaybah Shop and Shaikhuna Media, while the Dawah Foundation and Sadaqah Project pledged to distribute 10,000 flags nationwide.

The issue escalated when sellers superimposed the Kalema on the Bangladesh national flag. Police in Siddhirganj made arrests under Section 54 after such flags were sold through Facebook Live. The Officer-in-Charge said the "national flag" was being "distorted" for commercial purposes.

Even, a Dhaka media outlet has also been accused of threatening police for investigating the recent incident of hoisting these flags.

The debate is not over the Kalema itself but the flag's design and colours. Islamic writer Faruk Ferdous wrote on Facebook, "The question is not about the Kalima. The Bangladesh Army also uses flags with Kalima or verses. The question is about the specific design of the flag, including the Kalima - which resembles the flags of some outside groups and raises the possibility of dangerous propaganda."

Diplomats and analysts specialising in security, extremism and migration have expressed concern that, while many regard the flags as religious symbols, they may internationally be viewed as extremist emblems, affecting security perceptions, foreign investment and migration. They urged the government to clarify their stand through an official statement and actions.

Former Bangladesh Commission on Disappearances member and human rights activist Nur Khan Liton said, "You will see the use of this flag in Al-Qaeda training camps and Boko Haram in Nigeria. You will see the display of this flag wherever ISIS is operating. And in the past, Harkatul Jihad or others here also used this flag. Now Hizb ut-Tahrir is using it."

The government stalwarts have also responded. Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain warned against "any kind of confusion, insult or political misuse" of religious symbols, saying such "mischief" could "destroy national unity." Islamic Foundation director Md. Anisuzzaman Sikder and other Alems stressed that "no Ulama-e-Karam has ever claimed that this or that is the flag of Islam."

The issue is not new. After the Awami League government's fall on 5 August 2024, Kalema flags appeared in several protests. On 7 August, banned Hizb ut Tahrir held a Dhaka programme using the same flag, after which media coordinator Imtiaz Selim was arrested. On 7 October, black Kalema flags reappeared during marches over Palestine, alleged insults to the Prophet and calls for an Islamic caliphate. Police identified many participants as Hizb ut Tahrir members chanting, "One path to liberation, caliphate, caliphate."

Security analyst and former Interim Government adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain warned that the flag's global association with extremist groups could see Bangladesh "mainstreamed" as a militant linked state during economic fragility, threatening remittances and investor confidence. Intelligence agencies allege coordinated financing through cryptocurrency and hundi via Telegram and Signal.

DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed confirmed a formal investigation, while Police Headquarters issued directives to all units after receiving a secret intelligence report. 

Internationally, symbols are judged not only by local sentiment but also by organisers, slogans, security conditions and the state's response. Analysts therefore say the government should establish the facts and clearly explain its position without ignoring the issue.

They also urge authorities to activate relevant agencies before the issue develops into an anti Bangladesh campaign, noting that instability, security concerns and allegations of democratic deficit are often used to pressure smaller states. As Bangladesh pursues greater strategic independence, they argue, such challenges may increase.

The government has begun examining the matter. Prime Minister's Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said there "must be a specific plan" behind the displays. The issue has prompted meetings at Police Headquarters, while an intelligence agency has submitted a confidential report to Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs.