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Bangladesh Elections: Jamaat-e-Islami's Image Reshaping Sparks Concern

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 12:59 GMT by moneycontrol.com

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 - As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming elections, a complex and potentially destabilizing situation is unfolding, centered around the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party. Recent reports reveal a sophisticated and carefully orchestrated campaign aimed at reshaping the party's image, involving outreach to the Bangladeshi military and a deepening of ties with China. This has sparked considerable concern in India, with anxieties rising over the possibility of a 'Trojan Horse' scenario impacting regional stability.

A History of Contention: To understand the current situation, it's vital to acknowledge JI's controversial past. The party's history in Bangladesh is intrinsically linked to the nation's struggle for independence in 1971. During that pivotal period, JI actively opposed the liberation movement, contributing to widespread violence and becoming embroiled in accusations of war crimes. Following Bangladesh's independence, JI faced a ban, though it has subsequently resurfaced under various iterations, maintaining a persistent, albeit often clandestine, presence in the country's political landscape.

Military Engagement: A Calculated Strategy? The recent emphasis on engaging with the Bangladeshi military is a particularly noteworthy development. Reports indicate JI leaders have been proactively seeking contact with both retired and currently serving officers, participating in seminars and workshops ostensibly for the purpose of fostering understanding and dialogue. JI representatives publicly frame these interactions as purely for constructive engagement. However, critics remain skeptical, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cultivate support within the military ranks and exert influence behind the scenes. This perceived strategic outreach raises questions about the true motivations behind these interactions and the potential for undue influence.

China's Growing Shadow: Concurrently, JI is actively strengthening its relationship with China. Given China's expanding economic and geopolitical influence in the region, and Bangladesh's pivotal strategic position, JI appears to be strategically seeking Chinese support and leveraging Beijing's image as a reliable development partner. This alignment carries significant geopolitical weight, as China's involvement in Bangladesh extends beyond mere investment, encompassing a clear ambition for greater regional influence. It's suspected JI is attempting to capitalize on this dynamic.

India's Perspective: A Looming Threat? India is closely monitoring these developments with palpable concern. Some Indian analysts fear that JI's strengthened alliances with both the military and China could be exploited to destabilize the region and undermine India's national security interests. The 'Trojan Horse' analogy - the idea that JI is acting as a proxy for external powers - is gaining traction, suggesting a deliberate attempt to disguise malicious intent behind a veneer of legitimacy. The concern is that JI could be facilitating actions detrimental to India's strategic interests, operating under the guise of a legitimate political entity.

The Electoral Context and Beyond: The timing of these maneuvers - occurring just before the crucial Bangladeshi elections - is highly significant. JI's efforts are seemingly designed to garner sympathy and bolster support ahead of the polls. While direct participation in electoral politics remains restricted, JI's influence operates through subtle alliances and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, potentially impacting the outcome of the elections. Beyond the immediate electoral cycle, however, the implications are far more extensive, impacting broader regional power dynamics.

Geopolitical Ramifications: JI's actions highlight broader geopolitical implications concerning China's growing footprint in Bangladesh. China's economic investments are intrinsically linked to strategic influence, and JI's alignment with Beijing complicates the regional power landscape considerably. This alignment necessitates careful consideration of the long-term consequences for regional stability and the balance of power in South Asia.

Looking Ahead: Jamaat-e-Islami's calculated perception campaign is a complex interplay of political maneuvering, strategic outreach, and broader geopolitical calculations. While it remains to be seen whether India's apprehensions are fully justified, the situation necessitates vigilant observation and a carefully considered strategic response. The coming months promise to be critical in determining JI's ultimate influence and the broader ramifications for regional stability and security.