Bangladesh, Dec. 25 -- After more than a year of escalating militant activity, deteriorating law and order, and growing international concern, Bangladeshs interim administration under Muhammad Yunus appears to be signaling a belated shift in its security posture. The arrest of Ataur Rahman Bikrampuri, an alleged Al-Qaeda-linked militant ideologue and radical preacher-marks what officials describe as a renewed effort to curb extremism. Critics, however, question whether the move reflects genuine resolve or merely a tactical response to intense external pressure, particularly from India.

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested Ataur Rahman Bikrampuri in Narsingdi on the night of December 23 following a requisiti...