Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has issued a stark warning about the security situation in Bangladesh, alleging that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is now operating with an “open hand” in the country. Speaking virtually at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5, Wazed described the developments as a direct security concern for India.

Bangladesh Has Become ‘Another Pakistan,’ Says Wazed

According to reports, Wazed told the gathering that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India’s eastern front, calling it something India should be most concerned. He tied this claim directly to the growing footprint of foreign intelligence agencies operating inside Bangladesh, naming Pakistan’s ISI in particular.

He further alleged that extremist groups have gained unusual visibility in the country, with organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir marching openly and Al-Qaeda-linked individuals addressing public rallies a trend he warned could make Bangladesh a breeding ground for future global terrorism if left unchecked.

Claims of Mass Detentions and Political Killings

Wazed also raised concerns about the treatment of Awami League members since the political transition of August 2024. He alleged that tens of thousands of party members and leaders have been jailed without trial, due process, or bail, including several elderly detainees whose health has reportedly deteriorated in custody. He further claimed that party workers continue to be targeted, alleging that political killings have effectively gone unpunished under the current administration.

Disputed Death Toll from 2024 Protests

Another key point raised by Wazed was the discrepancy between death toll figures from the July-August 2024 protests. He pointed out that United Nations estimates only account for casualties up to August 15, 2024, while claiming that deaths linked to the unrest continued well beyond that date a gap he urged the international press to scrutinise more closely.

Gratitude Toward India, Praise for PM Modi

Despite the sharp warnings on security, Wazed struck a notably warm tone toward New Delhi. He thanked the Indian government for treating his mother with dignity during her stay in the country and expressed gratitude toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for its support. Sheikh Hasina, addressing the same event virtually, also described India as a longstanding friend and clarified that her proposed return to Bangladesh remains a personal decision rather than one requiring government negotiation.

Why This Matters for India

Bangladesh shares a long, porous border with India’s northeastern states, making security cooperation between the two nations critical. Allegations of expanding ISI influence and extremist activity in Bangladesh feed directly into India’s long-standing concerns about cross-border insurgency, radicalisation, and regional stability. Wazed’s comments add to a broader narrative echoed by former Indian diplomats that a “foreign hand,” particularly linked to the Pakistan-China axis, may be shaping developments in Bangladesh since the political upheaval of 2024.

The Bigger Picture

Bangladesh has been undergoing significant political transition since Sheikh Hasina ouster in August 2024, with an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus overseeing the country. Wazed’s remarks reflect the Awami League’s continuing narrative that the current administration has allowed instability and extremism to flourish, while critics of the previous government have disputed such characterisations. As diplomatic and political developments continue to unfold, India’s security establishment is likely to keep a close watch on the situation along its eastern border.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Sajeeb Wazed Joy? Sajeeb Wazed Joy is the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and previously served as her adviser on information and communication technology affairs.

2. What did Sheikh Hasina son say about Pakistan’s ISI? He alleged that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) now has an “open hand” in Bangladesh, warning that this poses a direct security concern for India along its eastern border.

3. Why does Wazed call Bangladesh “another Pakistan”? He used the phrase to describe what he claims is the growing, unchecked influence of extremist groups and foreign intelligence agencies inside Bangladesh since the political transition of August 2024.

4. What is the current political situation in Bangladesh? Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus since Sheikh Hasina ouster in August 2024, following weeks of student-led protests.

5. Has India responded officially to these claims? As of this report, there has been no official Indian government response to Wazed’s specific remarks, though security experts and former diplomats have separately raised similar concerns about a “foreign hand” in Bangladesh.

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