Even as terror launchpads thrive in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, intelligence agencies have uncovered a scheme by the ISI to move operatives into Bangladesh with the aim of infiltrating India through its border. This plan, detected ahead of Republic Day on January 26, involves utilizing smuggling networks for transporting terrorists into India from Bangladesh. The ISI has been in contact with individuals involved in illicit activities like cattle smuggling and counterfeit currency, intending to exploit their knowledge of entry routes into India.
The syndicates in Bangladesh, already familiar with routes into India, are being leveraged by Pakistan to facilitate the infiltration of terrorists ahead of Republic Day. By utilizing the sea route from Pakistan to Bangladesh, the ISI plans to exploit exemptions granted by the Muhammad Yunus government in 2024, which waived mandatory inspections for Pakistani shipments and eliminated security clearance requirements for Pakistani visa applicants. This strategic move has enabled the easy transportation of arms, ammunition, and militants into Bangladesh without facing security checks.
Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, a key associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Hafiz Saeed, has been identified as a central figure in this nefarious plan. Coordinated by the ISI, Zaheer’s visit to Bangladesh aimed at collaborating with other terrorist groups and crime syndicates. Known for his anti-India rhetoric and close ties to Saeed, Zaheer’s involvement underscores the gravity of the impending terror activities in India. Security agencies in India are on high alert, recognizing the significance of the planned attack not only as a threat to national security but also as a propaganda tool to bolster recruitment for extremist groups.
Following political changes in Bangladesh, Pakistan has intensified its presence in the country, forging alliances with local groups and exploiting governmental concessions. The ISI’s establishment of terror cells and targeted attacks on minorities in Bangladesh serve as precursors to their broader operational shift towards the northeastern states and West Bengal. With security forces preoccupied by upcoming elections, the ISI sees a strategic window to execute attacks on Indian soil, focusing on PoK-trained terrorists for their operational efficiency and readiness to strike.
