Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has warned that Bangladesh faces growing security challenges and could become vulnerable to extremist networks unless what he described as a deteriorating situation is addressed.
According to NDTV, citing remarks made by Joy at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi on Wednesday, he alleged that foreign intelligence agencies, including Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have gained increased influence in Bangladesh and claimed militant groups are becoming more visible.
Joy, a senior Awami League figure, alleged that convicted militants had been released from prison and claimed that banned groups, including Hizb ut-Tahrir, were operating more openly. He also alleged that individuals linked to al-Qaeda had appeared at public events.
“What should concern India most is that Bangladesh has become another Pakistan on India’s eastern side,” Joy said, warning that instability in Bangladesh could create wider regional security challenges.
His comments come amid continuing political uncertainty in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024 after nationwide protests. The Awami League has faced restrictions on political activities, while the country later moved toward elections under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus before a new government was formed.
Joy also criticised the current political environment, alleging that Awami League supporters, journalists and former government officials have faced arrests and intimidation. He questioned official accounts of the 2024 unrest and disputed figures related to casualties during the protests.
Bangladesh’s current authorities and other political groups have rejected accusations of widespread political persecution and have defended their actions following the 2024 political transition.
Regional governments, particularly India, have closely monitored developments in Bangladesh due to concerns over border security, migration, trade and the possible expansion of extremist networks in South Asia.
Joy’s remarks come as Bangladesh continues to navigate political tensions and questions over governance, security and the country’s future direction following one of the biggest political changes in its recent history.
