Pakistan’s ISI Trains Radicals in Bangladesh: A Threat to Regional Security?
- Bangladesh India International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 5 minutes read
A recent intelligence report has exposed the deep-rooted involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in destabilizing Bangladesh and the northeastern region of India. According to sources, ISI operatives have been conducting covert visits to Rangpur and other areas close to India’s strategic “Chicken Neck” corridor. This has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s attempts to fuel the insurgency and separate the “Seven Sisters” of Northeast India. Reports indicate that a delegation of 67 ISI officials has been training radical elements in Bangladesh. Intelligence suggests that these officials are closely working with extremist groups, including Al-Quds operatives, to train militants associated with Chhatra Shibir. This radicalization process poses a serious security threat to both Bangladesh and India. Additionally, the Pakistani ISI delegation is suspected of having met with representatives of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a militant group operating in Myanmar. The possibility of ISI’s involvement in supporting ARSA raises concerns about regional stability and cross-border insurgency operations.
Former Director General of Assam Rifles General Pradip Nair recently stated in an interview with Republic TV that ISI’s activities in the region are well known. He pointed out ISI’s long-standing role in supporting insurgencies, particularly in aiding militant groups with bases near the India-Bangladesh border. He also linked ISI’s involvement with Naga insurgents, highlighting the camps in Bangladesh that have provided sanctuary to these groups.
The growing influence of ISI in Bangladesh has led to speculation about its role in destabilizing the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Many analysts believe that Pakistan seeks to remove Hasina from power to establish a more radical and terror-supporting government in Bangladesh. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has maintained strict control over extremist elements. However, reports now suggest that figures like Muhammad Yunus are directly supporting terrorism in the country, an issue that was largely nonexistent during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. This raises concerns about whether the current political unrest is part of a larger plan orchestrated by foreign actors to weaken Bangladesh’s secular governance. Around 30% of the total medical cases treated in the Indian medical field are constituted of Bangladeshi patients, more than 50% of visas from Bangladesh to India are for medical tourism and major food grains necessary for the survival of the Bangladeshi population are being exported from India to Bangladesh. With all the insurgency and the continuous attempt from Bangladesh to destabilise peace in India, has the illegal government headed by Muhammad Yunus thought of any alternative to all the facilities provided by the Indian government to the Bangladeshi citizens? Is Pakistan going to provide backup to Bangladesh in terms of Food and medical facilities?
A New “East Pakistan” in the Making? Recent student protests and political insurgency in Bangladesh have led many to question whether the country is being pushed towards instability reminiscent of its pre-1971 conditions. Some analysts argue that external powers, including elements of the “Deep State” in the West, are influencing political movements to create chaos in Bangladesh. With the ISI’s growing involvement and the rising threat of extremist groups, there are fears that Bangladesh could regress into becoming an extension of Pakistan’s influence, potentially losing its hard-earned independence. The revelations of ISI’s covert visits, arms training, and radicalization efforts in Bangladesh demand immediate attention from Indian and Bangladeshi authorities. The strategic significance of the India-Bangladesh border, particularly near the Chicken Neck corridor, makes this issue a national security priority for both nations. Sheikh Hasina’s leadership remains a crucial factor in maintaining stability in Bangladesh. Any attempt to destabilize her government could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Bangladesh but for the entire South Asian region. The need for stronger intelligence cooperation and counter-terrorism measures has never been more urgent.
