Indian agencies are on alert as Bangladesh’s radical outfit Hefazat-e-Islam gains political and social influence, opposing women’s rights and minorities. Officials warn of potential cross-border radicalization and security threats spilling into India’s north-eastern states and West Bengal.
Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the growing influence of the radical Bangladesh-based outfit Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI), fearing that its increasing clout could spill over into India and destabilize border regions. The group, known for its hardline Islamist ideology, has intensified protests in Bangladesh against women’s rights reforms, particularly targeting efforts to establish equality in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance across all religions.
The controversy began after Bangladesh’s interim government received recommendations from the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission to issue an ordinance guaranteeing equal rights for women, regardless of religion. The proposal, seen as a progressive step toward gender equality, immediately drew the ire of Hefazat-e-Islam. The group has since demanded the complete abolition of the Commission, claiming it goes against Islamic principles.
Indian officials describe Hefazat-e-Islam as the “radical arm” of the Jamaat-e-Islami, another hardline Islamist organization banned in Bangladesh but still active through underground networks. According to intelligence sources, the HeI has been assigned by the Jamaat to oppose women’s rights, persecute religious minorities, and push for the full implementation of Sharia law in Bangladesh.
While the group poses a serious domestic threat to Bangladesh’s secular structure and minority communities, Indian agencies fear that its extremist ideology could cross the border. “The HeI’s activities are being closely tracked because their radical narrative may influence sympathizers or sleeper networks in India,” an official said.
Cross-Border Networks and Radicalization Risks
Since its establishment in 2010, Hefazat-e-Islam has attempted to extend its influence into India, particularly targeting the north-eastern states and West Bengal. Intelligence reports suggest that the group controls several illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in India and uses them to spread extremist propaganda. Although these attempts have largely failed to gain traction so far, officials caution that such radical movements can spiral out of control if left unchecked.
“Today’s social media-driven environment allows radical narratives to spread quickly. We cannot afford to underestimate even small movements,” another intelligence official noted. The agencies are therefore maintaining enhanced surveillance over existing Bangladesh-linked terror modules within India, which Hefazat may try to exploit to incite communal tensions or violent protests.
Violent Past and Political Ambitions
Hefazat-e-Islam’s violent history further alarms Indian security agencies. The group was responsible for orchestrating several deadly protests in Bangladesh in recent years. Following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hefazat cadres launched attacks on ISKCON temples, targeting Hindu minorities. In 2021, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangladesh to mark the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, Hefazat-led demonstrations turned violent, resulting in 13 deaths.
Security analysts in both countries believe that the group’s actions align with the broader strategy of the Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which allegedly aims to weaken Bangladesh’s secular fabric and foster instability in India’s north-eastern states. Reports also suggest that Hefazat supports the idea of annexing parts of India’s Northeast to form a larger “Islamic State” aligned with Bangladesh.
Beyond street protests, Hefazat-e-Islam has now turned its attention to politics. Its leaders are openly discussing plans to contest the next national elections in Bangladesh. The outfit’s Joint Secretary, Mamunul Haq, recently declared that the group’s goal is to implement Sharia law through parliamentary power. “We have a network of 500,000 dedicated followers. This will help us enter Parliament and ensure the establishment of Islamic rule,” Haq said.
Strategic Concern for India
Indian observers warn that if Hefazat-e-Islam succeeds in gaining parliamentary representation or influencing Bangladesh’s future government, it could adversely impact India-Bangladesh relations. India has long valued Bangladesh as a partner in counterterrorism and regional stability. However, the rise of radical groups like Hefazat threatens to undo the progress achieved under previous secular administrations.
“Any significant political gain by Hefazat would embolden extremist elements and weaken moderate voices in Bangladesh. This scenario would not be beneficial for India’s security or bilateral cooperation,” an Indian official commented.
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As Dhaka grapples with internal turmoil and the shifting political landscape, Indian agencies continue to keep a vigilant eye on Hefazat-e-Islam’s movements — both within Bangladesh and across the porous border. The growing radicalization drive and cross-border ideological spillover pose fresh challenges to regional peace and stability in South Asia.
