Bangladesh Imam’s Kidnapping Exposed as Hoax to Incite Communal Violence

Authorities in Bangladesh have uncovered that the alleged abduction of Imam Md. Muhibullah Miyaji was a fabricated drama designed to provoke communal hatred against Hindus and ISKCON. Miyaji’s disappearance triggered nationwide Islamist protests, where radical groups blamed “Hindu extremists” and escalated anti-India sentiment.

Police investigations, supported by CCTV footage, ticket records and witness accounts, revealed that the imam voluntarily travelled nearly 400 km to Panchagarh. Footage showed no ambulance, no abductors, and no forced movement. After being confronted with evidence, Miyaji confessed to staging the incident, including chaining himself to a tree to fake torture marks.

According to law-enforcement officials, the motive was to spark sectarian violence at a time when extremist networks are actively pushing disinformation. The episode coincides with intelligence warnings on increased radical activity linked to visits by controversial preachers, including figures associated with Zakir Naik and Hafiz Saeed’s network, raising fresh concerns over rising radicalization and regional instability.

Rights groups say the hoax not only endangered religious minorities but also exposed how quickly false communal narratives can mobilize mobs. Authorities have announced further investigations to identify whether Miyaji acted alone or at the behest of larger extremist groups.