Sources have indicated that the Pakistan Army and the ISI aimed to destabilize Sheikh Hasina's government and restore the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is known to be pro-Pakistan. An intelligence report revealed that Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, met with officials from Pakistan's ISI. The blueprint for this regime change in Bangladesh, which witnessed massive protests over a quota system that ultimately led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, was drafted in London in collaboration with Pakistan's ISI. Bangladeshi officials have claimed they have evidence of meetings between Tarique Rahman, the acting chief of the BNP and son of Khaleda Zia, and ISI officials in Saudi Arabia.
Leading up to the violence, several "anti-Bangladesh" handles on X (formerly Twitter) were continuously fueling the protests. Over 500 negative tweets were made against the Sheikh Hasina government, including those from Pakistani handles. The aim of the Pakistan Army and the ISI was to destabilize Hasina's government and restore the BNP, which has strong pro-Pakistan leanings. Additionally, China, through the ISI, played a role in escalating the protests that eventually forced Hasina to flee to India.
What began as a protest against job reservations evolved into a broader anti-government movement against Hasina, leaving over 300 dead and hundreds more injured. The intelligence establishment reported that the ISI-backed Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, inflamed the protests, turning them into a determined effort to replace Hasina with a regime friendly to Pakistan and China. The intelligence inputs indicate meticulous planning undertaken by Islami Chhatra Shibir members for several months. A significant portion of this funding is believed to have originated from Chinese entities operating in Pakistan, according to intelligence sources.
While scanning social media activity during the Bangladesh protests, it was observed that the bulk of posts against the Awami League, videos of violence against the protesters, and posters demonizing Sheikh Hasina were being manufactured by the BNP and its affiliated accounts. A large chunk of these were being amplified by US-based accounts.
The roots of the protests lie in a controversial quota system that reserved up to 30 per cent of government jobs for family members of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Even though the Bangladesh Supreme Court cut the job quotas to 5%, the protests took a different turn, with agitators demanding Hasina's resignation. The protests escalated on August 4, as over 100 people died in clashes with the police.Â
On Monday, Hasina resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister and fled the country, with the Army taking over control. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced that an interim government would be formed as he dissolved the Parliament. The president also ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The intricate involvement of external actors, including the ISI and Chinese entities, highlights the geopolitical complexity underlying the protests in Bangladesh. The strategic efforts to destabilize Hasina's government and the subsequent shift in political power demonstrate the significant influence of foreign interests in domestic affairs. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh as the country navigates this tumultuous period. The extent of foreign interference in these protests raises concerns about the stability and sovereignty of Bangladesh. It underscores the need for the country to address both internal grievances and external threats effectively. As the interim government takes charge, the focus will likely be on restoring order, addressing the demands of the protesters, and preparing for future elections. The international community's response will also play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of Bangladesh's political landscape. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of power in the region and the far-reaching impact of geopolitical maneuvers.
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