The rise of Islamic radicalism among British Bangladeshis

This paper aims to examine the background and reasons for the rise of Islamic radicalism amongst British Bangladeshis. Islamic 'fundamentalism', anti-western sentiments and the politicisation of Islam have been dominant themes in the media and public consciousness in recent years. Why have Islam and western secular democracy come to be seen as irreconcilable enemies? Why do British citizens choose to prioritise or emphasise their Islamic identity over and against their British identity? Why are radical forms of political Islam attractive? These are questions that will be examined here.