Bangladesh turning into an Islamic state, poses major threat to India’s security, warns Sheikh Hasina’s son

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Political tension in Bangladesh has intensified ahead of the proposed general elections scheduled for February next year, especially after the ban imposed on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League. Amid this backdrop, Hasina’s son and political advisor, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has made serious allegations against the interim government, warning that Bangladesh is being pushed towards Islamic rule, posing a significant security threat to India.

In an interview, 54-year-old Joy accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of giving free rein to Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist parties, while allegedly manipulating the electoral process to bring them to power. Currently based in the United States, Joy’s remarks come at a time when India has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh and threats received by the Indian High Commission, leading New Delhi to summon Bangladesh’s High Commissioner.

Raising questions over growing ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh’s interim administration, Joy described the development as deeply worrying for India. He said that during the Awami League’s rule, India’s eastern borders remained secure from terrorism, whereas earlier Bangladesh’s territory was used as a base for extremist and militant activities targeting India. According to him, there is now a risk of those conditions returning.

Repeating his stance following the death sentence pronounced against Sheikh Hasina, Joy claimed that Bangladesh is rapidly heading towards becoming a failed Islamic state. He alleged that Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami are being deliberately promoted, despite never having secured more than five percent of the vote in fair elections. Joy said that by excluding the Awami League and other progressive parties, preparations are underway for a biased and manipulated election.

Speaking on India’s role, Joy urged New Delhi to take a more proactive stand, in coordination with the international community, to restore democracy in Bangladesh. He argued that barring the country’s largest party and the third-largest ethnic party from elections effectively deprives more than half the electorate of their democratic rights, making the electoral process fundamentally undemocratic.

Commenting on recent terror-related developments, Joy claimed—citing confidential security sources—that terrorist networks linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba have resurfaced in Bangladesh. He warned that terror training camps have become active again, Al-Qaeda-linked operatives are increasing their presence, and Pakistan-based Lashkar commanders are openly addressing public gatherings. According to him, this situation poses an immediate and serious threat not only to India but to regional security as a whole.