Dhaka, Dec 16: Intelligence sources and Bangladesh observers have raised concerns over a concerted propaganda campaign by Pakistan’s ISI and Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami targeting India-Bangladesh relations ahead of the February 12 elections.The campaign claims that India is interfering in Bangladesh’s electoral process, allegations strongly rejected by New Delhi.
Analysts warn that such propaganda is likely to intensify as the election approaches, aiming to manipulate public opinion and weaken support for parties favorable to India.
The political context is significant. Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus was appointed caretaker of the interim government, giving the ISI access to information about Bangladesh’s political landscape.
While the ISI and Jamaat seek to foster anti-India sentiment, officials emphasize that a substantial portion of the Bangladeshi population remains pro-India.
Many citizens rely on India for education, healthcare, and trade, maintaining historically strong ties.
The ISI recognizes that influencing public perception is crucial for advancing a radical agenda, aiming to replicate strategies it has used in Pakistan.
The ISI and Jamaat view a BNP victory as undesirable because the party maintains close relations with India, limiting Pakistan’s influence.
Bangladesh watchers note that the BNP’s decision not to ally with Jamaat-e-Islami reflects its intention to pursue a moderate, pro-development agenda, learning from past mistakes when it was perceived as pro-radical due to previous coalition politics.
With the Awami League banned from contesting the elections, the contest is primarily between BNP and Jamaat, heightening the stakes of the propaganda campaign.
The ISI-Jamaat narrative aims to shift public sentiment against India, discouraging support for the BNP and creating conditions favorable to Jamaat’s more radical approach.
By portraying New Delhi as meddling in internal affairs, they hope to influence voters to favor a party aligned with Pakistan’s strategic interests.
Analysts warn that if successful, this could undermine the moderate BNP and destabilize Bangladesh’s traditionally pro-India orientation.
India, however, has consistently stated its commitment to free, fair, and inclusive elections.
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that New Delhi supports credible elections held peacefully in Bangladesh, countering allegations of interference.
While the propaganda campaign is expected to increase in intensity as voting approaches, ongoing reliance on India for education, healthcare, and trade, along with historical ties, may help preserve significant pro-India sentiment among Bangladeshi citizens.
The situation underscores the intersection of regional geopolitics, domestic politics, and information warfare, highlighting efforts by external actors to manipulate electoral outcomes in Bangladesh through propaganda and influence campaigns.