Suspicious radio signals from Bangladesh hint at ISI-backed plot

Security forces have intercepted suspicious wireless radio communications originating from across the Bangladesh border. The transmissions, conducted in Arabic, Urdu and Bengali, have raised concerns within India about the potential increase in covert activities by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in regions bordering the West Bengal sector. There are fears that the ISI may be collaborating with radical elements in Bangladesh and training Rohingya refugees for terrorist activities.

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Terror camps near border trigger alert

• Security forces intercepted radio signals in Arabic and Urdu from Bangladesh border areas
• ISI reportedly running terror camps, collaborating with radicals, training Rohingya refugees
• Bangladesh’s fluid political situation being exploited by agencies such as ISI for anti-India activities
• Indian forces on high alert, intensifying border surveillance to counter potential threats

Pak, Bangladesh resume direct trade

Islamabad: Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 separation, with the first government-approved cargo departing from Port Qasim, a media report said.

Sources revealed that the radio signals were intercepted during the early hours (between 1 am and 3 am) from various locations in Bangladesh and were detected in several areas along the Bengal sector, including Shonepur, Basirhat, Bongaon and South 24 Parganas. The nature and timing of the communications have sparked concerns about coordinated efforts that could pose a threat to India’s security.

The development has fuelled speculation within security circles that Bangladesh jihadis may be working in tandem with the ISI to carry out nefarious activities targeting India. The use of multiple languages and the timing of the signals suggest a well-organised operation, though the exact objectives remain unclear. Security officials have expressed suspicions that the ISI may be leveraging the fluid political situation in Bangladesh, where several foreign actors are believed to be influencing the narrative. Of particular concern is the reported increase in ISI presence near India’s strategic “chicken’s neck corridor”, a narrow strip of land connecting mainland India to the northeastern states. A Pakistani army delegation, accompanied by an ISI officer, recently visited Rangpur, located near this critical corridor, as well as Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh.

These visits have further heightened apprehensions about Pakistan’s growing influence in the region.

According to sources, the ISI is allegedly supplying arms to training camps in Bangladesh, where Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi operatives are being trained for militant activities. These camps, reportedly overseen by former members of Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG), are said to be preparing operatives for missions targeting India. Additionally, there are alarming reports of the Islamic State’s presence in Bangladesh, raising fears of covert operations aimed at India.