More than five decades after Bangladesh’s independence, the country finds itself confronting a new and complex security narrative—one shaped not only by domestic developments but also by competing regional interests and covert influence operations. Following the August 2024 jihadist upheaval, Pakistan and its notorious intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), emerged as influential actors, allegedly operating through deep-state alignments within Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Taking advantage of the situation, the ISI reportedly established multiple operational nodes in Dhaka, alongside covert presences in sensitive Bangladesh–India border areas, often using madrassa networks as cover. During this period, several Islamist-jihadist groups—including Ansar Al Islam (a local affiliate of Al-Qaeda) and Hizb ut-Tahrir—became increasingly active, openly advocating the transformation of Bangladesh into a Sharia-based state or even a Caliphate. The resurgence of such groups not only raised internal security concerns but also triggered alarm among regional stakeholders wary of Bangladesh drifting away from its traditionally moderate trajectory.

Simultaneously, anti-India activities rose to alarming levels. Individuals linked to Pakistan-based militant outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), along with elements associated with Hamas, were reportedly frequenting Bangladesh under the guise of religious gatherings. Notably, voices within Pakistan’s military and political establishment began openly referring to Bangladesh as a potential “eastern front” in the event of renewed........

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