Tensions Rise as Bangladesh Seeks to Halt India’s Border Fencing Project

In a significant development, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has secretly dispatched a high-level delegation to Dhaka, raising alarms in New Delhi over potential implications for regional security. The delegation, comprising four senior ISI officials, including Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, landed in Bangladesh on January 21. The visit follows a recent military delegation from Bangladesh that met with top Pakistani military leaders in Rawalpindi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns regarding the strengthening military ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, stating that appropriate measures will be taken if necessary to safeguard India's national security interests. The spokesperson emphasized India's vigilance regarding activities occurring in the vicinity. The ISI delegation's arrival in Dhaka marks the first official visit of its kind in nearly two decades. Upon arrival, they were received by a senior official from Bangladesh's Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and have been granted access to several military installations to review Bangladesh's military capabilities. This surprising diplomatic maneuver comes in the context of Bangladesh's shifting military relations under its interim government, as previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had curtailed ISI activities due to concerns about political interference and extremist support. Observers suggest the growing military cooperation could create complications in the delicate security balance of the region.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged multiple assassination plots against her following her ouster from power amid widespread protests last year. In an audio message shared by her party, the Awami League, Hasina expressed that she and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, narrowly escaped death by 20 to 25 minutes. Hasina fled to India after resigning in August 2024 as violent protests erupted, leading to her residence being attacked by an infuriated mob. She stated, "I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived... Otherwise, I would not have been able to survive," while recalling previous assassination attempts, such as the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack that killed 24 people. Currently in exile, Hasina is facing scrutiny from Bangladesh's interim government, which has requested her extradition from India, citing various charges including enforced disappearances during her long tenure in office. The International Crimes Tribunal for Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for her and is pursuing multiple cases related to human rights abuses. Hasina claimed to be suffering from the loss of her country and home during her rally address. The interim government has formally revoked her passport amid ongoing investigations, and the tribunal has set a deadline of February 12 for the capture of all accused parties, intensifying the pressure on Hasina and her supporters.

A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for cricket star Shakib Al Hasan following allegations of financial misconduct. The warrant was issued on January 19, 2025, after Shakib failed to respond to previous court summons regarding bounced checks totaling over $300,000. The case was filed by IFIC Bank, represented by Mohammed Shahibur Rahman, who indicated that the court took this step due to Shakib's non-appearance. Shakib, a prominent figure in Bangladeshi cricket and a former lawmaker from the party of the ex-leader Sheikh Hasina, has not been in Bangladesh since the collapse of Hasina's government in August 2024. His departure followed a revolution that resulted in multiple investigations against political figures linked to the ousted administration. Despite the serious nature of the charges and allegations connected to his past political ties, Shakib has not been formally charged related to those incidents. The all-rounder has enjoyed a successful cricket career, with 71 Test matches, 247 One Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 appearances, accumulating 712 wickets. Notably, he was excluded from Bangladesh's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, where the team will compete alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.