A wave of militant violence has revisited Bangladesh. In the past week, a Hindu priest, a Christian grocer, and the wife of an anti-terror police officer were all killed in attacks by suspected Islamist militants. In recent months, secular bloggers, academics, gay rights activists, and members of religious minorities including Shia, Sufi and Ahmadi Muslims, Christians and Hindus have all been killed, many of them hacked to death in different parts of Bangladesh. In order to eliminate militancy, Bangladesh government has initiated a nationwide campaign, and so far the authorities have rounded up 3,000 suspects. However, police have failed to establish any connection of these suspects with any major terrorist network. In recent months, Islamist militants have unleashed a reign of terror in Bangladesh. Places of worship like mosques and temples are being targeted. The latest killings also have a religious tinge as the victims belonged to minority communities. The Bangladesh police have said that the attacks were carried out by local militant groups, while the Islamic State (IS) has also claimed responsibility for recent attacks. Whether homegrown militants or the IS is involved in these attacks, it has alarmed the international community and raised concerns that religious extremism is taking hold in the traditionally moderate country. It is very unfortunate that space is shrinking for religious tolerance. Moreover, the persecution of minority members at the hands of extremists and their followers is not a new phenomenon. They are being victimised on the basis of religion and sect. Such cruel practices are more visible in developing states like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Pakistan is facing a similar situation where incidents of violence against minorities are taking place almost daily. If preventive measures are not taken, growing intolerance in society will give birth to more deadly incidents. The killing of innocent people in the name of religion cannot be justified in any case. It is also a cause for concern that after the Middle East, the IS is making its presence felt in the South Asian region by applying the same terror tactics that are its hallmark. The terror group is operating without borders, and bringing more and more local militants into its fold. Just like Pakistan, government of Bangladesh is in a state of denial regarding the presence of the IS. It is high time that all stakeholder states join hands to fight religious extremism, intolerance and violence. A unified response is needed to tackle the resurgence of terror. It is unfortunate that terrorists are uniting on one platform to enforce their malicious agenda but countries are divided over tackling this threat. It is the responsibility of all affected states that they should be united to defeat extremism. And the first step is making tangible efforts to change the mindset. That begins at home.*