Pakistan and Türkiye Attempt to Capitalise on the Growing Influence of Radical Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh

Warning Bell for India !

Dhaka — Although the radical Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh did not come to power in Bangladesh’s general elections, the previously banned party secured 77 seats along with its alliance partners. With the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh, Islamic nations such as Pakistan and Turkey (Türkiye) are reportedly attempting to take advantage of the situation.

Geopolitical Shift in the Neighborhood 🚨

The rising influence of the extremist Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh is being eyed by Pakistan and Turkey as a golden opportunity to expand their reach. 📉🤝

This alliance poses a direct "red alert" for India's regional security. 🚩… pic.twitter.com/h3HY32D33P

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 20, 2026

In this backdrop, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent his son Bilal Erdoğan to Bangladesh. Bilal arrived in Dhaka within 24 hours of the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister, lending special significance to the visit. The trip is being viewed as symbolic of strengthening ties between Türkiye and Islamic groups in Bangladesh and is being described as a warning sign for India.

1. Accompanying Bilal Erdoğan were former Turkish footballer Mesut Özil and Abdullah Eren, head of the Turkish government-supported Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

2. The delegation inaugurated a newly constructed medical centre at Dhaka University, funded by TIKA. The project was initiated after Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing won the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union election.

3. The visit is being seen as evidence of growing closeness between Jamaat and Türkiye.

4. TIKA and other Islamic organisations linked to Türkiye are becoming increasingly active in South Asia, which is considered strategically sensitive for India.

5. Pakistan has also reportedly sought to re-establish bilateral relations with Bangladesh. In the process, it has increased cooperation with Jamaat and is attempting to reduce India’s influence.

6. Allegations have been made that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), worked with Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing to incite protests against the Hasina government.