Bangladeshi leader says Hindus ‘can be easily killed’:Al-Qaeda-linked Harun Izhar’s remark goes viral on social media

A threatening video regarding Hindus by Harun Izhar, a leader linked to Al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, has surfaced. In it, he is saying that Hindus can be easily killed. After this statement made during an event in Chittagong, questions are being raised about the security of minorities. During an event in Chittagong, Izhar can be heard talking about Hindus being easily killed. He also says that he himself won’t need to do anything, his supporters are enough to do so. This video of his is going viral on social media. According to reports, since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power, there have been continuous allegations of attacks and discrimination against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. In such a situation, this statement is creating new concerns about the security of minorities. Who is Harun Izhar? Harun Izhar is a radical Islamic leader from Chittagong, Bangladesh and has been associated with Hefazat-e-Islam. He has also served as the Secretary of Education and Cultural Affairs in the organization’s central committee. His father Mufti Izaharul Islam was also an influential Islamic leader and madrasa operator in Chittagong. Harun’s name has not appeared for the first time but has been coming up in cases related to extremism and violent activities for a long time. In 2013, there was an explosion at a madrasa located in Lalkhan Bazar, Chittagong. Three people died in this incident. During the investigation, police recovered explosive-making materials, acid and unexploded grenades. A case was registered against several people including Harun and his father in this matter. What is the matter of connection with Al-Qaeda? Allegations of Harun Izhar’s connections to al-Qaeda and other jihadi networks are old. Bangladeshi media reports have linked his father’s madrasa to the network of the banned organization Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami Bangladesh. One report also made claims of his father having contacts with Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar. However, it would be better to write these claims in the news only as allegations or assessments by security agencies. In a 2025 report, India Today also described Harun Izhar as a senior leader of the radical organization Hefazat-e-Islam, mentioning his alleged connections to international jihadi networks. According to the report, security agencies consider him an influential radical figure. Name also came up in violence case in 2021 During the protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit in March 2021, violence occurred in Chittagong and other areas. Harun Izhar was arrested in cases related to these violent incidents. In 2021, he also gave his statement before the court in the violence case. According to the police, he admitted his role in the violence during interrogation and also revealed the names of those who allegedly played a role in instigating the violence. Several cases were registered against him in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi. In 2023, he came out on bail from Chittagong Central Jail. According to the police, at that time he got bail in 11 cases registered against him and the police said that he would remain under surveillance. Came into discussion again in 2025 In December 2025, Harun Izhar’s name also came up during violent anti-India protests. According to an India Today report, after protests targeting Indian interests in Chittagong, he had reached a police station and was seen interfering in the case of accused involved in attacks on the Indian diplomatic mission.