Who is the Tawhidi Janata?
Amid a sudden surge in activities by the self-styled Islamic Tawhidi Janata—including storming the Shahbagh police station to secure the release of an accused harasser—questions arise about their identity and organization.
Incidents and Presence
- The group has been active at the book fair, frequently forming mobs.
- Protests occurred at multiple locations, including:
- Prothom Alo Office
- The Daily Star Office
- Shahbagh Police Station
- Rab-2 headquarters
- The most recent incident involved storming Shahbagh police station to demand the release of Mostofa Asif, arrested for harassing a student.
Main Figures Identified
1. Sher Muhammad
- Arrested by Rab in 2022 for funding banned Islamic militant group Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya.
- Seen campaigning after 5 August with the black Al-Qaeda flag.
- Prominently displays Titumir’s photo on his Facebook profile.
- Connected with Ataur Rahman Bikrompuri through external programs.
2. Ataur Rahman Bikrompuri
- Declared Sher Muhammad as Ameer during the Shahbagh incident.
- Known for inflammatory sermons on Facebook.
- Runs a Facebook page ‘Anti-Shatim Movement’:
- On 22 February, posted a call to kill anyone labeled ‘Shatim-e-Rasul’.
- Regularly condemns Muslims who practice democracy as ‘kafirs’.
- Incites violence against atheists and secular activists.
- Arrested in 2021 as a member of Islamic militant Ansarullah Bangla Team / Ansar Al Islam.
- Central coordinator of a movement advocating for the release of imprisoned militants.
- Allegedly organized a team post-5 August to free militants from Kashimpur prison and interrogate officials.
3. Mohammad Tamim
- Present in all the aforementioned protests.
- Often seen at the forefront of demonstrations.
- Active on the ‘Council Against Injustice’ Facebook page, created on 17 August 2024.
4. Arman Uddin
- Identified as a key participant in the Shahbagh incident, providing updates.
- Locked his Facebook profile after old posts surfaced, showing support for Chhatra League leaders.
- Led the attack on Sabyasachi Publishing stall at the book fair on 10 February.
Connections and Online Presence
- The trio—Sher Muhammad, Ataur Rahman Bikrompuri, and Tamim—are active on social media.
- Connected through Facebook pages:
- ‘Council Against Injustice’
- ‘Anti-Shatim Movement’
- Regularly engage in coordinated online campaigns.
While Tawhidi Janata may appear to be a connected group, evidence suggests a more organized structure with coordinated leadership and a history of extremist activity. Their involvement in recent violent protests and online incitements raises concerns about their long-term potential threats.
