Bangladesh: Former Awami League MP Bahauddin Nasim alleges ISI presence, growing ties with Pakistan

Speaking from an undisclosed location to ANI, Nasim claimed that senior officials linked to Pakistan's military intelligence had recently visited Bangladesh. He said, "The ISI's second-in-command had visited Dhaka. The Generals from the Pakistan army had been frequenting Dhaka."

Nasim alleged that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has a long-standing reputation internationally for supporting militant groups through shelter, training, and financial assistance, particularly across parts of South and Southeast Asia. According to him, such activities were effectively blocked during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, when Bangladesh maintained internal security, communal harmony, and a secular democratic character.

"This is nothing new. However, during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, such evil forces had no opportunity to enter Bangladesh, and Bangladesh was a peaceful country. Bangladesh was governed as a secular state, rich in democratic and communal harmony, where there was a genuine sense of amity between Hindus and Muslims. This is the tradition and continuity of the Bengali people," he said.

He said that under the current interim administration, which he described as "illegitimate", individuals he identified as collaborators of the former Pakistani occupation forces have gained influence within and outside state institutions. Nowfel further alleged that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus had independently expanded communication with Pakistani authorities at multiple levels.

"Since the monstrous group of terrorists, who designed the overthrow of the government and seized state power, came into power, we have seen that those whom we consider the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators are now roaming freely inside and outside the country's power structure. Under their influence, Muhammad Yunus has increased his ties with Pakistan on his own initiative," he said.

Citing recent developments, the Awami League leader pointed to direct commercial shipping between Karachi and Chittagong port, claiming that such trade had not occurred in Bangladesh for more than five decades. He argued that these developments signal a shift in foreign relations that coincides with the present interim government's tenure.

"He has communicated with various levels of the Pakistani government, and we have seen that ships from Karachi have directly arrived at Chittagong port in Bangladesh for commercial purposes. This kind of direct trade has not happened in Bangladesh in the last 54 years. But this is happening during the tenure of this interim illegal government. Not only that, military and government officials, and various Pakistani intelligence agencies, including the ISI, have been seen roaming around in Bangladesh. They have been seen moving freely in important strategic locations and sensitive areas that the state carefully monitors for security reasons," he said.

Nasim also alleged increased movement of Pakistani military officials and intelligence operatives across Bangladesh, including in areas considered strategically sensitive. He claimed that senior ISI officials may have established operational bases inside the country and warned that their presence could contribute to the spread of militant activities through financing, arms supply, and training.

"It has also been heard that high-ranking ISI officials have established a base in Bangladesh. And wherever these ISI agents go, they further institutionalise terrorism by providing training and encouraging militants in various ways, supplying them with money, training, weapons, and ammunition, and engaging in spreading terrorism throughout the country and the world," he said.

He said public opposition to any foreign intelligence presence is growing, adding that citizens are protesting what they see as a threat to national sovereignty and security. The Awami League, he added, strongly condemns any such activities and calls for immediate action to protect Bangladesh's independence and stability.

"The presence of such a clandestine terrorist organisation in Bangladesh has become a daily occurrence. The people of Bangladesh do not want the presence of ISI agents in Bangladesh; they protest against it and strongly condemn it, and we also protest and strongly condemn it," he conclded. (ANI)