Easy access to ISI in Bangladesh? Country’s new Pak visa move sparks concerns

The recent decision by Bangladesh to relax visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens, particularly by eliminating the requirement for security clearance, has raised concerns about potentially providing easy access to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agents on Bangladeshi soil. Regional analysts warn that this development could signify a growing strategic and ideological alignment between Bangladesh and Pakistan, with possible implications for India’s security.

Speaking with India Today, Defence and strategic expert Colonel Ajay Raina (Retd.), said “It is now well-established that the regime change in Bangladesh was done by the Deep State of the US through Pakistan’s ISI. Watching terrorists imprisoned by the previous PM not only walk free but being included in the ruling machinery, thus, must not come as a surprise”.

“Very soon, if all goes well with their plans, Bangladesh will practically become East Pakistan like before; the only saving grace is the likelihood of both Pakistan and East Pakistan sinking together and ceasing to be a threat to India in a conventional sense,” he added.

RADICAL ELEMENTS RESURFACING IN BANGLADESH

India Today had earlier reported an influx of Pakistan-aligned Jamat elements into Sylhet, particularly the Ambarkhana area, where they are allegedly regrouping for potential infiltration into India’s northeastern states. The Assam-Meghalaya border, along with the sensitive Brahmanbaria district near Ganga Sagar, is being monitored for heightened activity. The intelligence reports have indicated how radical elements are now becoming active in Bangladesh.

Moreover, there have been significant changes within Bangladesh’s administrative machinery. Hindu and Awami League-oriented bureaucrats are reportedly being forced to resign, making way for Jamat-linked officials. This ideological shift within Bangladesh’s governance structure raises concerns about the erosion of secular and democratic principles under the new regime.

IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

According to experts, the relaxation of visa norms and the apparent Pakistan-Bangladesh nexus pose a twofold threat to India. First, it could facilitate greater intelligence and security cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka, aimed at destabilising India. Second, the northeastern states, particularly Assam, could become hotspots for infiltration, radicalisation, and subversive activities intended to discredit the Indian government and create internal unrest.

Security agencies are on high alert following recent developments in Bangladesh. Experts believe that the growing alignment between Dhaka and Islamabad highlights a significant strategic challenge for India, necessitating a calibrated approach combining diplomacy, intelligence, and military preparedness to counter this evolving nexus.