Dhaka: Islamic flags during the World Cup season

Just as football fans in Bangladesh display the symbols of the World Cup teams, rows of white flags and processions of motorcyclists proclaiming the Islamic profession of faith are appearing on the streets. The organisers describe it as a “simple symbol” with no extremist intentions, but the country is debating the relationship between public expressions of faith and pluralism.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – In recent weeks, rows of white flags bearing the Islamic profession of faith have appeared throughout Bangladesh, fluttering above busy roads, narrow alleys and quiet residential neighbourhoods.

From Jatrabari to Uttara in the capital, and from Narayanganj to Chittagong and as far as Dinajpur, these symbols have multiplied with unusual speed, arousing curiosity, pride and concern in equal measure.

For many of those displaying them, the flags represent a simple sign of faith. “It’s a symbol of Islam, nothing more,” says a young man from Mirpur, echoing the messages circulated on social media by the organisers. Some have even organised motorbike processions, chanting the slogan: “You are a Muslim, I am a Muslim”, as they rode through the city’s crowded streets carrying the banners.

For others, however, the very same image causes unease in a country where religious coexistence and international reputation are sensitive and fundamental issues. The white flags, often bearing Arabic script similar to the Shahada (the Islamic profession of faith), have been likened, in the local media debate, to symbols used in the past by extremist groups abroad. Although this comparison is disputed, it was enough to attract the attention of the police.

The timing is no coincidence. Bangladeshis have long been in the habit of displaying flags during major international sporting events, particularly during the FIFA World Cup. The flags of Brazil, Argentina and France usually dominate rooftops and flagpoles along the streets. This year, however, in several locations those familiar colours have been replaced by white flags, creating a different spectacle: one less tied to sport and more to religious identity.

According to observers, the phenomenon reflects deeper dynamics within society. In the digital and globalised age, symbols travel rapidly and their meanings become the subject of conflicting interpretations. “A symbol can no longer be confined to a single interpretation,” some experts note: what is understood locally as a simple affirmation of faith may be perceived differently abroad, influenced by global narratives on security. Several religious leaders, including some representatives of the Catholic Church, also emphasise the importance of coexistence in a pluralistic society. Whilst recognising the right to express one’s faith, they insist that public expressions of religion should not fuel divisions or generate fears amongst minorities.

Bangladesh’s small but active Christian community views the phenomenon with cautious concern. A Christian businessman, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasised the importance of balance: “Religious expression must be respected, but Bangladesh’s strength lies in its harmony and openness.”

Harmony represents not only a social value but also an economic necessity. The country’s economy depends heavily on remittances sent by over 13 million migrant workers in more than 150 countries, who contribute over 30 billion dollars a year – a figure that is constantly rising. Many of these workers are based in countries that enforce strict security policies, particularly regarding any signs that might be associated with extremism.

Security experts, too, are urging caution. Retired General Fazle Elahi Akbar described claims that such demonstrations are a sign of extremism as “absolutely false”, but warned against behaviour that could be misinterpreted internationally. “We must not create opportunities for misunderstanding,” he said, referring to videos circulating on social media showing large motorbike processions carrying flags.

Former ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed also called for a balanced approach to the issue, warning that excessive reactions could prove counterproductive, whilst reiterating the need for greater awareness. “Displaying the national flag during a sporting event is understandable,” he observed. “But flying other flags requires sensitivity to the context.”

On the streets, however, the debate takes on a less theoretical dimension. In some areas, the authorities have removed the flags, only for them to reappear a few hours later. This constant back-and-forth reflects the tension between regulation and popular initiative, between state control and citizens’ freedom of expression. Whilst the debate continues on social media and in public spaces, the white flags have become much more than just a piece of fabric bearing an inscription. They are now part of a broader reflection on identity, perception and responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.