The freestyle visits of Pakistani generals and members of the terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), to Dhaka amid its ongoing military tension with India and boiling hatred against Hindus in Bangladesh have exposed a deep-rooted conspiracy.
While it is well-known that Pakistanโs LeT and Jamaโat-ut-Dawa operatives played a key role in the 2024 jihadist-army coup that toppled the Awami League government, the visit of Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, the closest aide of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, is considered dangerous both for Bangladesh and India, as he visited some areas near Indiaโs eastern frontier.
Zaheer’s ideological footprint extends beyond LeT, with his Ahl-e-Hadith affiliations providing a veneer of legitimacy to Salafi networks across South Asia.
His presence in Bangladesh, coinciding with planned propaganda against India, Hindus and ISKCON followers and a visit by Zakir Naik in late November, underscores a potential convergence of radical voices that could amplify recruitment and propaganda efforts targeting vulnerable border communities.
Recently, Hefazat leader Mamunul Haque and his colleagues visited Afghanistan to learn firsthand about the implementation of Shariah law in the war-torn country. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also said that they will establish Shariah law once voted to power.
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Zaheer is the General Secretary of Pakistan’s Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith and a long-time ally of the UN-designated terrorist. He landed in Dhaka on October 25 and has since toured sensitive border districts, delivering inflammatory speeches and networking with local radical elements.
After reaching Dhaka, Zaheer addressed the โShine with Nibras – Annual Cultural Fest 2025โ at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB).
This marks his second visit since the interim regime under Muhammad Yunus took office. He was also in Bangladesh for more than a week in February 2025.
Zaheer will participate in a huge Islamic Conference in Rajshahi on November 6-7. He is expected to stay in the country for more than 12 days.
Since August last year, the Yunus gang has been working closely with Pakistanโs ISI to weaken the Bangladesh Army and destabilise the Seven Sisters using the jihadists of LeT, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Taliban and Ansar al-Islam, and some former and serving army personnel.
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With the fall of the secular government and Dhaka now leaning toward Pakistan and China, terror operatives once pushed away now seem welcomed again. Security experts believe that the LeT is reviving its cross-border footprint under the guise of religious outreach.
As calls for jihad and โGreater Bangladeshโ grow louder in Dhaka, India watches closely, knowing this network has a direct impact on border youth, recruitment, and national security.
In Rajshahi, Zaheer was received at the Shah Makhdum Airport by Abdur Rahim, the son of Abdur Razzak bin Yusuf. He is a member of Al Jamia As-Salafiah, an Islamic research institute affiliated with the Bangladesh branch of the countryโs Ahl-e-Hadith movement.
On Monday, Zaheer left Naudpara for Chapainawabganj with Abdul Razzak bin Yusuf. During the visit, the two visited some areas along the India-Bangladesh border, including Nachole. They are also scheduled to hold meetings at some local mosques.
A video accessed by India Today shows his visit to Chapainawabganj, where he also delivered a provocative speech.
Zaheer in Chapainawabganj said: “You must be ready to sacrifice yourself for the cause of Islam… ready to sacrifice your children as well. We must stand prepared to confront secular and liberal forces.”
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He further said that “from Pakistan to Bangladesh, all Muslims will unite against the seculars.”
On Kashmir, Zaheer said: “The Kashmiris are being deprived of their freedom. It is Pakistanโs responsibility to raise a strong voice against the anti-Islamic laws and the oppressive acts in Indian Kashmir. By the grace of Allah, the day will come when Kashmir will become part of Pakistan.”
He also took part in a programme hosted by Nibras International School in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
According to Bangladeshi sources, Zaheer is expected to meet with Asadullah Al Ghalib, president of the Ahl-e-Hadith Movement Bangladesh.
Sources told India Today indicate that Zaheer will visit various locations along the India-Bangladesh border, including Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari, between October 29 and 31.
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Zaheer will be in Joypurhat on November 1 and Nagaon on November 2 and will then address a major Salafi conference in Dangipara, Paba, Rajshahi, on November 6 and 7. He is scheduled to return to Pakistan on November 8.
Zaheer also has a close alliance with Indian fugitive and radical preacher Zakir Naik, as Zakir Naik met him during his visit to Pakistan in October 2024.
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