Jamaat leader’s remarks spark alarm in New Delhi and Dhaka
A senior leader of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, told a New York audience that his party would pursue “Ghazwa-e-Hind” if India tried to intervene in Bangladesh.
Taher spoke at a reception organised by the Bangladesh American Association. He said about five million youth stood ready to resist any attack.
His remarks have drawn sharp attention in India and Bangladesh. New Delhi is monitoring the comments closely. Several regional outlets and social platforms amplified the speech within hours.
What Taher said and why it matters
Taher used the phrase “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” a term linked to historic and apocalyptic narratives in some Islamist circles. He framed the claim as revenge for 1971 and a chance to “prove” Jamaat members.
The statement matters because it mixes political rhetoric with religious imagery. Moreover, it raises security concerns for India and for minority groups inside Bangladesh. Consequently, diplomats and analysts view it as dangerous posturing.
Taher said his party feared Indian military intervention if Jamaat reached power. He then appeared to welcome such an attack, claiming it would erase a stigma from 1971. The comment revived old wounds from the Liberation War.
Reactions: governments, analysts and communities
New Delhi has taken note of the comments via media monitoring. However, officials have not yet framed a formal diplomatic protest. Meanwhile, analysts warned the remarks could inflame communal tensions.
In Bangladesh, the response split along political lines. Some parties denounced the rhetoric. Others urged calm and called for restraint. Human rights groups warned that provocative language might fuel attacks on minorities.
Security experts stressed that incendiary speeches rarely translate directly into state policy. Yet they added that such comments can inspire fringe groups. Therefore, both countries must watch rhetoric and grassroots mobilisation.
Context: Jamaat’s history and regional sensitivity
Jamaat-e-Islami carries a long, contested history in Bangladesh. The party’s role during the 1971 Liberation War still divides opinion. As a result, any talk of “Ghazwa-e-Hind” touches raw national memories.
Furthermore, the remark comes amid broader regional shifts. Recent political changes in Dhaka and renewed ties with neighbouring states complicate the security picture. Observers say inflammatory rhetoric may worsen bilateral ties.
What to watch next
Officials in New Delhi and Dhaka will likely monitor Jamaat activities abroad. Intelligence agencies could increase surveillance of networks that amplify such messages. Moreover, civil society groups will press for protection of vulnerable communities.
For now, Taher’s comments remain a warning sign rather than a direct threat. Nevertheless, the phrase “Ghazwa-e-Hind threat” is likely to dominate headlines and policy conversations. Governments must respond with measured diplomacy and robust law enforcement.