The Role of the Pakistani Agency in Stirring Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh: A Closer Look
New Delhi:
It's becoming increasingly evident that the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, is actively working to incite anti-India feelings within Bangladesh. This assertion is supported by the inflammatory rhetoric emerging from certain Pakistani news outlets and statements made by various political leaders. Some media sources have irresponsibly accused India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of being involved in the murder of student activist Sharif Osman Hadi, despite the fact that Bangladeshi authorities are still uncertain about the identity of the killers and their motivations.
But here's where it gets controversial—one notable figure in this narrative is Kamran Sayeed Usmani, a member of Pakistan's ruling party, PML-N. In a provocative video message, he unleashed a barrage of anti-India sentiments, going so far as to issue threats of missile attacks directed at India. Officials have expressed concern that such reckless statements only serve to prolong the unrest in Bangladesh.
Moreover, an official pointed out that there seems to be a deliberate pattern in these messages, indicating an intention to internationalize the internal issues of Bangladesh. By implicating India, these factions aim to divert attention from their own domestic struggles. Notably, no nation aside from Pakistan has blamed India for the turmoil currently unfolding in Bangladesh. In reality, it has been suggested that the Pakistani deep state played a significant role in creating this chaos, particularly by orchestrating the ousting of Sheikh Hasina and facilitating the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami.
This relationship isn’t new; following the Liberation War, the ISI and Jamaat devised strategies for large-scale illegal immigration into India, aiming to alter demographic balances. Intelligence Bureau officials, who are closely monitoring the evolving situation in Bangladesh, claim that the ISI is engaging in a dual strategy here.
Pakistan has harbored a deep-seated desire for revenge against India since its defeat in the 1971 war, which resulted in the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent state. Consequently, there has been a concerted effort to fabricate a negative narrative surrounding India, effectively pitting the Bangladeshi populace against its neighbor.
The ISI appears to recognize that a government in power, whether directly or indirectly supported by Jamaat, is crucial for their agenda. However, parties like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) are showing signs of distancing themselves from Jamaat and the ISI, as they aspire for a progressive rather than a radical national identity. This became evident when the BNP chose to run independently in the upcoming elections, separating itself from Jamaat's influence.
Such a shift has created unease within the ISI, as the BNP stands a credible chance of winning the elections. Polling predictions suggest the BNP could succeed, particularly with the Awami League prevented from participating. The health condition of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia adds another layer of complexity, potentially garnering sympathy for the BNP in the February 2026 elections. Additionally, Zia's son, Tarique Rehman, is set to return to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad, which may further energize the party’s base.
All these factors contribute to a growing sense of insecurity among the ISI and Jamaat, who fear losing electoral control. Observers of Bangladesh's political landscape note that the elections are unlikely to be postponed, especially given the mounting pressure from the international community. Experts predict that while the elections will likely proceed as scheduled, concerns regarding their fairness remain.
Intelligence reports indicate that groups associated with Jamaat are instigating violence to discourage voter turnout, creating an atmosphere of fear that keeps people indoors on election day. With many Awami League supporters likely refraining from voting due to the party's ban, some might shift their allegiance to the BNP, enhancing the latter's chances at the polls.
Analysts suggest there might either be a brief delay in the elections or a completely unfair process carried out. The ISI is reportedly making every effort to manipulate the electoral outcome by instigating violence, all while pushing a fabricated narrative designed to foster anti-India sentiments among the Bangladeshi populace.
