ISI's Alleged Role in Promoting Anti-India Sentiments During Bangladesh Crisis

Recent intelligence findings have sparked significant concern regarding Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) allegedly instigating anti-India sentiment during the escalating political turmoil in Bangladesh.

Officials monitoring the situation in Dhaka report a synchronized narrative emerging from certain factions within the Pakistani media alongside particular political entities. Unverified accusations have arisen, attributing the involvement of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in the assassination of Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, while Bangladeshi authorities confirm the investigation remains at an early stage with motives unclear.

Indian officials label these claims as intentionally misleading and strategically timed, aiming to portray internal unrest in Bangladesh as a crisis driven by foreign interference, specifically implicating India. Importantly, no country other than Pakistan has positioned blame on India regarding the developments in Bangladesh.

The narrative escalated following a viral video message from Kamran Sayeed Usmani, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), in which he indicted India for the crises in Bangladesh and made inflammatory threats, including missile attack references. Security officials have condemned these remarks as reckless, noting they are designed to perpetuate tensions rather than foster dialogue or peace.

Sources from intelligence convey a discernible pattern in this messaging. By pointing fingers at India, the ISI allegedly aims to internationalize the domestic crisis within Bangladesh and redirect attention away from internal political machinations. Observers argue that the unrest has roots in longstanding interventions by Pakistan’s deep state, purportedly aiming to undermine former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authority and bolster Jamaat-e-Islami’s position.

Analysts highlight Jamaat-e-Islami's historical ties with ISI interests, a view corroborated by various regional and global entities. Officials assert that the international community is cognizant of these connections and has refrained from endorsing the allegations against India.

Historical grievances also perpetuate this situation. Analysts note Pakistan’s unresolved sentiments from the 1971 conflict that birthed Bangladesh, suggesting that the current surge in anti-India sentiment may also aim to rekindle old wounds and sway Bangladeshi public opinion against New Delhi through misinformation.

However, internal political dynamics in Bangladesh seem to be evolving. The Bangladesh National Party (BNP), once associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, has recently distanced itself from both Jamaat and the alleged ISI influence. BNP leaders are indicating a renewed focus on stability and development over ideological extremism, which is positively received by the electorate.

The BNP’s choice to contest the elections independently has reportedly unsettled Jamaat and its supporters. With the Awami League unable to participate, several election forecasts suggest a strong possibility for the BNP to emerge victorious in the upcoming February 2026 elections.

The party’s chances are also believed to be enhanced by public sympathy for its ailing leader, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with the anticipated return of her son, Tarique Rahman, after 17 years abroad, which is seen as a boost for their supporters.

Security agencies maintain that these developments have caused increased anxiety among groups linked to Jamaat. Intelligence reports indicate that violence is intentionally being provoked to instill fear and suppress voter turnout. By deterring public participation in the elections, these factions reportedly aim to sway the electoral results.

Despite rising international calls for timely elections, there are profound concerns regarding their integrity. Warnings are growing that the electoral process may either face delays or become highly contentious.

Officials assert that along with efforts to manipulate the electoral process, the propagation of anti-India narratives is a tactical maneuver to divert focus from the internal political struggles in Bangladesh. As global scrutiny sharpens, they remain cautious that these tactics may ultimately backfire, predicting a potentially tumultuous upcoming period.