ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Bangladeshi terrorists use the internet for recruitment by exploring the plethora of online jihadi propaganda content found online, including propaganda videos, sermons, social media accounts, chat forums, and jihadi websites. The chapter finds that the internet helps both recruits and recruiters to reach each other, especially provides jihadists with opportunities to reach previously unreachable demographics, such as women and youth from Westernized and well-off backgrounds. This chapter has also shown that the internet offers new and previously unattainable opportunities for jihadist recruitment. Using the unique features of the internet, terrorist groups in Bangladesh can now control their own propaganda content, both in terms of publishing and broadcasting, and build their own narratives. Besides providing technical affordances and opportunities, the internet can also enhance the sense of belonging to a group and, in turn, increase possibilities for recruitment. Through internet and exposure to online extremist content, individuals can reach other like-minded individuals by increasing online social connectivity.
