New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) The ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami are intensifying a propaganda effort against India, alleging that New Delhi is meddling in the electoral procedures of Bangladesh. Despite India's firm rejection of these allegations, intelligence agencies anticipate that this disinformation campaign will escalate as the election date approaches.

The removal of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Mohammad Yunus as the caretaker of the interim government have provided the ISI with ample material to manipulate public sentiment. However, there remains a significant faction in Bangladesh that holds pro-India views.

According to officials, the average citizen in Bangladesh does not harbor a strong anti-India sentiment. Many students and residents have depended on India for educational and healthcare services. Additionally, trade with India is crucial for numerous Bangladeshis, ensuring that pro-India feelings persist.

The ISI aims to shift this perception and recognizes that without public support, it cannot influence their emotions effectively. Both the ISI and Jamaat understand the significance of securing electoral victory. They realize that to further their radical agenda, they must cultivate an anti-India sentiment among the populace.

Officials indicate that the ISI is attempting to replicate its strategies from Pakistan. Observers of Bangladesh indicate that while pro-India sentiments are prevalent, the public resents any external interference in their domestic affairs. The ISI and Jamaat are exploiting this by disseminating false narratives about India's involvement in the elections scheduled for February 12.

Officials warn that anti-India propaganda in Bangladesh will likely intensify as elections draw near. Citizens acknowledge that Bangladesh thrived under Sheikh Hasina, who fostered positive relations with India. Furthermore, they realize that New Delhi and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) maintain close ties, both expressing a desire for harmonious relationships as neighbors. This perspective is not well-received by the ISI-aligned Jamaat.

A BNP win is not in the ISI's interests, which believes it can exert control over Dhaka if the Jamaat is in power. Under Yunus, relations with Pakistan have strengthened, allowing the ISI to exert influence. Conversely, a BNP administration would challenge the ISI's agenda, as the party is committed to ensuring the nation's prosperity and good relations with its neighbors.

The BNP's decision not to ally with the Jamaat for the elections signals its intention to avoid promoting a radical agenda, having learned from past mistakes where it was labeled as pro-radical during its previous collaboration with Jamaat-e-Islami.

If the ISI and Jamaat can successfully sway public opinion against India, it may diminish the BNP's support. With the Awami League barred from participating, the electoral contest is essentially between the BNP and the Jamaat.

By propagating falsehoods about India, the Jamaat aims to shift public sentiment. An increase in anti-India feelings could radicalize their approach, aligning perfectly with the Jamaat's agenda. If the populace perceives that New Delhi is interfering in Bangladesh's elections, they may reject the BNP, which seeks to maintain relations with India, thus leaning towards the Jamaat instead.

Nonetheless, India has reiterated its commitment to a transparent electoral process. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, 'We have consistently reiterated our position in favor of free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere,' in response to allegations made by the Yunus administration.