Is the Jamaat Hawala Network Reviving to Fund Terror and Influence Bangladesh Elections?
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Synopsis
As the elections draw near, the Jamaat-e-Islami's hawala network is allegedly back in action, raising alarming concerns about its role in funding terrorism and influencing political outcomes in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Jamaat-e-Islami's hawala network is reactivating ahead of elections.
- Intelligence reports indicate a surge in funding for terror groups.
- The ISI is leveraging the Jamaat for financial support.
- Concerns are rising about the influence of the Jamaat in Bangladesh's political landscape.
- Funding is being redirected to Jammu and Kashmir and other regions.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The subcontinental hawala network of Jamaat-e-Islami, a crucial funding mechanism for various terror organizations, has reportedly reactivated itself ahead of the upcoming elections, according to intelligence reports.
This hawala network, which had been operating under the radar for a while, is now fully operational for several reasons. A significant influx of funds is being directed towards Bangladesh as the elections approach, while also facilitating the rejuvenation of terror networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Both groups lost substantial operational capacity during Operation Sindoor.
After a period of dormancy, the ISI has opted to significantly enhance the terror infrastructure. Although the ISI has other fundraising avenues, it has specifically tasked the Jamaat’s hawala network to escalate its efforts and maximize financial contributions.
The Jamaat boasts a vast international presence. With numerous followers and sympathizers acting as major financial contributors, the organization collects funds under the guise of promoting religion, yet it is estimated that around 90 percent of these funds are allocated to inciting violence and supporting terrorism. Official sources indicate that funds are being funneled through its extensive hawala network into Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and even Sri Lanka.
Over time, the Jamaat, in collaboration with the ISI, has established a substantial illicit financial framework, which sustains the operational capabilities of various terror groups. In Pakistan, groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed heavily rely on the financial resources gathered by the Jamaat. Other organizations such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, Bangladesh (JMB) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) are also significantly dependent on the Jamaat's fundraising.
This situation has alarmed intelligence officials in India. An official from the Intelligence Bureau stated that the Jamaat has the capacity to generate substantial amounts of money globally and is currently in an accelerated operational phase to amass funds.
The ISI has instructed the Jamaat to intensify its fundraising operations. The agency intends for the Jamaat to procure funds for both Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, enabling the reconstruction of their operational frameworks. The funds will also support training, logistics, and operational activities.
Additionally, through its hawala network, the Jamaat is expected to redirect resources into Jammu and Kashmir. The ISI aims to establish a comprehensive all-women overground worker (OWG) module and is seeking to recruit more youth into this network, requiring substantial funding, which the Jamaat has been tasked with securing.
Moreover, the ISI is in need of significant financial resources to maintain its activities in Bangladesh, where it has been cultivating several terror factions, even enlisting Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives to train militants within the country. The ISI seeks to strengthen terror groups capable of unsettling the northeastern states and West Bengal.
In addition, the ISI has been influencing the political landscape in Bangladesh, aiming to establish a Jamaat-led government. A considerable portion of the funds raised by the Jamaat is being diverted to instigate violence, intending to sustain an ongoing atmosphere of unrest.
The ISI is orchestrating a strategy to ensure a Jamaat victory, currently supporting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This support has led to ISI-manufactured violence, potentially delaying the elections and giving the Jamaat an opportunity to secure a win through manipulation.
An official noted that all of these planned operations by the ISI will necessitate extensive funding, explaining the impetus for the Jamaat to enhance its fundraising initiatives.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the serious implications of the Jamaat-e-Islami's resurgence. This situation requires vigilant monitoring as it poses significant threats to security and stability in the region, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in Bangladesh.
NationPress
06/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jamaat-e-Islami?
The Jamaat-e-Islami is a political and religious organization known for its influence in South Asia and has been linked to various fundraising activities for terror groups.
What is a hawala network?
Hawala is an informal method of transferring money, often used for crossing borders without official scrutiny, and has been exploited for illicit financial activities.
Why is the Jamaat-e-Islami's activities concerning?
The Jamaat-e-Islami's resurgence in fundraising activities raises alarms about its potential role in funding terrorism and inciting violence, especially during politically sensitive times.
How does the ISI influence the Jamaat-e-Islami?
The ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, reportedly collaborates with the Jamaat to bolster its fundraising efforts for various terror groups, enhancing their operational capabilities.
What are the implications for regional security?
The activities of the Jamaat-e-Islami and its connections to terror funding can destabilize the region, particularly in light of the impending elections in Bangladesh.
