Day after Pahalgam attack, Bangladesh legal adviser met LeT operative in Dhaka: Why India must be alarmed

Muhammad Yunus - File Photo

A day after the heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the legal adviser to Bangladesh’s interim administration, Dr Asif Nazrul, allegedly met a senior local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative named Izhar in Dhaka.

With the Indian intelligence agencies tracing the attack to Pakistan-based LeT and its proxy – The Resistance Front – this meeting and its timing raise serious questions about the interim government’s stance on extremism and its potential complicity in fostering anti-India sentiments.

Notably, Izhar has an established history of plotting terror attacks from Bangladeshi soil and his association with groups like Hefazat-e-Islam has been under scrutiny for their radical ideologies. The timing and nature of this meeting suggest a possible endorsement or at least a tacit approval of extremist elements by individuals within the Bangladeshi interim administration.

The fact that the meeting was held just a day after the terror attack raises the possibility of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region and undermine India’s security. While it is crucial to avoid jumping to conclusions, the circumstances surrounding this meeting warrant serious scrutiny and raise critical questions.

Shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape

The political dynamics in Bangladesh has changed drastically following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina-led government in August last year. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has been accused of failing to protect minority groups, particularly Hindus, and of allowing a resurgence extremist ideology. Since then, the bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated rapidly.

Furthermore, the interim government's decision to revoke the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, a party with a history of extremist affiliations, has raised eyebrows. This move is seen as a potential gateway for radical elements to gain political legitimacy and influence within the country.

Strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan ties

Amid strained relations with India, Bangladesh appears to be warming up to Pakistan. After a 15-year hiatus, the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Bangladesh recently met in Dhaka, signalling a potential shift in regional alliances. This rapprochement is concerning for India, given Pakistan's history of supporting cross-border terrorism and its alleged role in the Pahalgam attack. ​

The growing camaraderie between Dhaka and Islamabad could embolden extremist groups operating in the region, providing them with a broader support network and increased resources. Such developments could destabilize the already fragile security situation in South Asia.​

Why this concerns India?

·       India shares a long and porous border with Bangladesh, making it susceptible to cross-border infiltration and the spread of extremist ideologies.

·       A rise in extremism in Bangladesh, coupled with closer ties with Pakistan, could lead to an increase in cross-border terrorist attacks in India. This could destabilize vulnerable regions, particularly in the northeast.

·       The growing nexus between Bangladesh and Pakistan could alter the geopolitical balance in the region, potentially emboldening Pakistan and complicating India's efforts to maintain regional stability.