NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has reportedly set up a special intelligence cell within its High Commission in Dhaka, in a development that comes amid growing defence and military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The move has raised concerns in Indian security circles about renewed Pakistani intelligence activity near India’s eastern frontier.
Pakistan–Bangladesh Defence Cooperation Deepens
According to diplomatic and security sources, the establishment of the ISI cell follows the recent visit of Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, to Dhaka.
The Pakistani delegation — which included senior ISI officials — held discussions with top Bangladeshi defence and intelligence authorities on expanding military collaboration, intelligence sharing, and potential arms procurement.
Reports indicate that Bangladesh has approved the placement of Pakistani intelligence personnel at the High Commission as part of this new framework, allowing for on-ground coordination between the ISI and Bangladeshi defence officials.
Strategic Objectives and Intelligence Focus
Sources suggest the ISI cell is tasked with overseeing intelligence operations in the Bay of Bengal and monitoring Indian strategic activities along the eastern border. The arrangement is believed to be part of a larger plan to enhance Pakistan’s presence in South Asia through diplomatic and military channels, particularly after recent political changes in Dhaka following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape has reportedly opened space for renewed Pakistan–Bangladesh engagement, including training exchanges, defence dialogue, and joint intelligence initiatives.
India’s Measured but Firm Response
India has responded cautiously but firmly to the developments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi is “closely monitoring all activities in the region that may affect India’s national security” and assured that the government “will take appropriate measures as required.”
Indian intelligence and security agencies are believed to be assessing the implications of the ISI’s new setup, particularly amid concerns that it could reignite covert networks and anti-India propaganda efforts operating from within Bangladesh.
Security analysts have warned that loosening of travel restrictions for Pakistani nationals and increased intelligence exchanges could create opportunities for reviving ISI-linked operations in India’s northeast, using Chittagong Hill Tracts and border districts as potential routes.
Regional Implications
Experts view this as part of Islamabad’s strategy to regain influence in South Asia after years of diplomatic isolation, leveraging defence diplomacy and intelligence cooperation to strengthen ties with Dhaka.
For India, the development underscores the need for heightened vigilance along the eastern corridor and proactive engagement with the Bangladeshi establishment to ensure regional stability.
