Pakistan’s ISI is backing a radical plan to remodel the Bangladesh army into an Islamic Revolutionary Army, raising fears of regional instability, extremist militias, and threats to India’s borders as Jamaat-e-Islami and Yunus-backed groups push the agenda.
Violence and political instability have become everyday realities in Bangladesh, creating fertile ground for extremist groups to grow stronger. Several institutions in the country are now at risk of being completely radicalised. One institution that had thus far resisted such a transformation was the Bangladesh army.
However, new intelligence inputs suggest that the army itself may soon be targeted for radicalisation, with attempts underway to remodel it into an Islamist military force resembling Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
A Silent Shift After Hasina’s Exit
In the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, the Bangladesh army had stood firm and called for the restoration of law and order. Unlike political groups that quickly fell into chaos, the army initially maintained a neutral position and distanced itself from radical elements. Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman had urged for calm, while many senior officers remained committed to ensuring that the country would eventually return to democratic governance.
But today, the situation looks starkly different. The once-united stance of the army is slowly weakening. While many officers remain opposed to extremism, increasing influence from radical groups within the government and Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is beginning to shift loyalties.
Jamaat-e-Islami and Yunus’ Role
At the heart of this radical push is Jamaat-e-Islami, a party historically known for its extremist leanings. The Jamaat has immense sway over Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the current caretaker of the interim government. Intelligence sources say that Jamaat’s strong links with the ISI are dictating Yunus’ policies, allowing Pakistan to shape Bangladesh’s political and military strategies from behind the scenes.
Recent weeks have seen increased visits by ISI officials to Bangladesh, coupled with a secret visit by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) to Pakistan. During these meetings, discussions reportedly focused on restructuring the Bangladesh army along Islamist lines.
Rise of the Islamic Revolutionary Army
The plan to radicalise the army is already in motion through a newly emerging group called the Islamic Revolutionary Army (IRA). Backed by Yunus and Jamaat through the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM), this group has openly announced its intent to train members in martial arts and eventually receive guidance from military officers.
The characteristics of the ADSM suggest it is transforming into a militia, with the long-term goal of merging with the Bangladesh army. This development is deeply concerning for Indian intelligence agencies, who fear that such a merger would institutionalise terrorism across the region.
Pakistan’s Deep Role
The ISI’s involvement is not new. Since the 1971 Liberation War, the ISI and DGFI have collaborated on sensitive operations, including the persecution of minorities and planning large-scale illegal infiltrations into India. Now, the ISI is working overtime to infiltrate radical ideology into Bangladesh’s military, with meetings not only in Pakistan but also in Spain, pointing to an international dimension to this agenda.
Adding to these concerns is the recent strengthening of ties between Turkey and Bangladesh. Observers see this as another signal that Bangladesh may be aligning with countries that have often supported Islamist militancy.
India’s Security Concerns
For India, these developments represent a growing threat. North-eastern states and West Bengal already face pressure from cross-border terrorist groups operating from Bangladeshi soil. The creation of an Islamic Revolutionary Army, capable of acting as both a militia and a state force, would worsen the situation dramatically.
Officials warn that if the Bangladesh army is dismantled and replaced by an Islamist order, regional stability could collapse. Extremism would no longer be confined to fringe elements but institutionalised within Bangladesh’s most powerful security organisation.
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The push to radicalise the Bangladesh army reflects a broader geopolitical struggle involving Pakistan, Turkey, and Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami. While many within the army and civil society oppose this shift, ISI-backed radical elements are gaining momentum. If successful, the creation of an Islamic Revolutionary Army could destabilise South Asia, threaten India’s borders, and pave the way for a new era of institutionalised extremism in the region.
