India should be concerned if Jamaat wins Bangladesh election: Harsh Vardhan Shringla

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Indian ambassador and foreign secretary to Bangladesh, has warned that India would need to be cautious if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power in the upcoming Bangladeshi elections.

Speaking at a discussion titled “Are we ready for Bangladesh’s elections?” at the International India Centre on Thursday, Shringla said India is prepared to work with any party that forms the government. However, he noted that if Jamaat assumes power, it could pose challenges to India’s interests.

“It is correct to say we will work with whoever comes to power, but if that party acts against our interests, then there is reason to be concerned,” he said.

Shringla also pointed out the sensitive nature of the India-Bangladesh border, emphasizing that while India generally avoids interference in neighboring countries’ internal affairs, border-sharing countries have complex dynamics.

He accused Jamaat-e-Islami of acting as an auxiliary force to the Pakistan army during the 1971 Liberation War and committing atrocities, including genocide against Hindus.

Shringla also linked Jamaat to the Muslim Brotherhood, calling the group a part of this international political organization that maintains a firm ideological stance in various countries.

Without presenting evidence, he claimed that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has increased activities along the Bangladesh-India border.