Bangladesh’s Radicalised Medical Students India’s New Concern? Exclusive From Intelligence Sources

Last Updated:November 10, 2025, 17:09 IST

"After Sheikh Hasina, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and its student wing, Chatra Shibir, have re-entered campuses...," say top intelligence sources

Recruiters from Jamaat and Tablighi offshoots use these gatherings for religious radicalisation, say sources. (File)

Radicalised youngsters from Bangladesh could emerge as a new concern for India, according to intelligence agencies.

Around 8,500 Indian medical students studying in Bangladesh during the 2024 crisis, which led to the ouster of then PM Sheikh Hasina. “This concentrated group across Dhaka, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Chittagong medical colleges became a target for ideological grooming," said sources.

“After Hasina, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and its student wing, Chatra Shibir, have re-entered campuses. The Chatra Shibir controls student hostels, prayer groups, and weekend camps in Faridpur, Mirpur, and Uttara medical zones. These medical colleges are serving as ideological pipelines for Indian and Nepali students," they said.

Why it matters

According to sources, smaller student-specific or Ishtima congregations attract over 2-3 lakh youth annually. “This is including Indian and foreign students also who attend and they are taken care by these groups including many local concessions," they said.

Recruiters from Jamaat and Tablighi offshoots use these gatherings for religious radicalisation. “The ISI handlers have re-established their liaison channels with radical clerics and ex-DGFI assets. Their objective is to use Jamaat networks to influence student opinion," they said.

ISI and Jamaat feed anti-India narratives through scholarships, religious orientation sessions, and digital forums, they said. “The JMB and IS-Bangla units have started online propaganda on Telegram and encrypted apps after Hasina left," sources said. According to intelligence agencies Dhaka to Narayanganj to Faridpur belt is emerging radicalisation corridor post-Hasina.

What happened on August 5, 2024?

A student-led protest in Bangladesh over government job quotas escalated into nationwide unrest. On August 5, protests converged on the capital Dhaka and the official residence of Sheikh Hasina (Ganabhaban). Security forces (police, army) informed Hasina that they were overwhelmed—“nearly exhausted" of manpower/ammunition. The military apparently gave her an ultimatum to resign. She initially resisted the idea.

Ultimately, Hasina left Bangladesh via military helicopter, reportedly flying to India, marking the end of her rule of about 15 years.

Following her departure, protesters entered her residence, looted and vandalised property, and large‐scale public demonstrations occurred.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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