Pakistan’s Sudden High-Level Visits Stir New Fears For Bangladesh’s 2026 Elections

Bangladesh’s 2026 elections now look far from peaceful as intelligence reports and recent movements show Pakistan-linked networks trying to push Dhaka into a phase of violence. Officials warn that senior Pakistan Army officers, ISI-backed groups, and political influencers have begun building pressure inside Bangladesh, raising tension weeks before the final election cycle tightens.

Pakistan’s Growing Shadow Over Dhaka’s Poll Plans

The worry honestly feels heavier than usual because the Awami League is already banned from contesting the upcoming elections. With that major party out, the entire contest shifts between the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami, and this gap is exactly where outside forces are trying to squeeze themselves in. I noticed how the situation has been forming slowly for months, and now the pattern is just too obvious to ignore.

BNP is the largest Opposition force today, and Jamaat is working like a close arm of the ISI inside Bangladesh. Even though Muhammad Yunus is technically running the setup, his style clearly follows ISI’s interest lines, which leaves almost every agency on high alert.

Arrival of Eight Pakistan Army Officials Raises Strong Alarms

The report about eight senior Pakistan Army officials landing quietly in Bangladesh last week changed the tone entirely. These officials include Brigadier Shoeb Asif Khan, Raja Irfan Yaseen, Muhammad Ashraf Shahid, Syed Saqib, Murtaza, Muhammad Meraj, Afzal Ahmed Khan, Lt. Col (Retd) Ullah and Waqar Ur Rahman.

They did not travel like regular diplomatic visitors. They took choppers and moved straight to the India-Bangladesh border zones. Intelligence teams watching the activity say these officers sat with militant groups operating around those belts. And these militants where instructed to trigger violence inside Bangladesh and near the Indian border when the election period gets closer.

You can see why the stakes just went up suddenly.

Political Visitors Linked To Pakistan PM Also Under Watch

Before these military movements, two political visitors from Pakistan had already attracted attention. These were Shah Mahmood, a former MP, and Shah Baz Humaira, an advisor to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. They met political circles across Dhaka and left Bangladesh on November 16.

The timing is too tight, and intelligence officials almost immediately linked their visit to the same influence-building pattern. Something is clearly in motion, and not small.

Jamaat’s Talk Of “Election Genocide” Shows Growing Nervousness

Jamaat-e-Islami emir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman recently warned that if the national referendum and elections happen on the same day, it could cause an “election genocide.” That language itself shows deep insecurity. Jamaat knows the math. BNP has a clear upper hand right now in the absence of the Awami League. Jamaat stands very far behind in the race, and that gap frightens them because control of the government means control of the entire system.

If BNP wins, Jamaat loses its grip. And if Jamaat loses its grip, ISI loses its proxy advantage.

BNP’s Softening Towards India Worries ISI More Than The Vote Count

Surprisingly, BNP has been trying to rebuild its old image. They don’t want the earlier radical tone anymore. They want stability, normal politics, and a cleaner global reputation. And the biggest twist here is BNP’s willingness to work with India again. For more than a year, Indian officials have quietly been in touch with BNP leaders.

This positive direction is exactly what ISI and Jamaat don’t want. Because if BNP and India begin a friendly path, ISI’s influence collapses across Dhaka’s political structure.

Violence Becomes The Only Path Left For Disruption

Looking at the pattern, violence appears to be the only tool left for ISI and Jamaat to swing the setup in their favour. If they can derail the election process or create an atmosphere where normal voting becomes impossible, it benefits the group holding insecurity in its hands.

Indian agencies believe this might be part of a broader ISI strategy to stress India’s northeastern border by destabilizing Bangladesh. This tactic is old but effective: push chaos in the neighbouring zone and use it to pressure India’s larger security map.

Why Pakistan Wants Yunus And Jamaat To Stay In Control

Under Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan has gained several concessions. Sea routes opened up, visa norms eased, ties improved in ways that clearly hurt India’s security depth. Pakistan’s benefit increases as long as Jamaat stays in control, because ISI then runs camps and modules without interruption.

But now, the fear of losing these advantages is pushing Pakistan into direct action. Their network seems ready to interfere in the election cycle, hoping to keep the system under Jamaat influence.

A Volatile Election Season Ahead For Bangladesh

The 2026 elections may now be one of the tensest in Bangladesh’s recent history. The presence of foreign influence, militants, political insecurity, and a power shift between BNP and Jamaat has created a volatile ground. And unless strong counter-steps come early, the election period may see disruptions, border tension, and wide-scale violence.