No security clearance needed: Bangladesh asks all its Missions to grant visas to Pakistanis

The Bangladesh interim government has asked all its missions abroad to grant visas to Pakistanis. The message was sent by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the letter from the Security Services Division of the Home Ministry. This comes soon after Bangladesh said it will halt visa services from its mission in Tripura, India over so-called security concerns owing to the protests against atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. Interestingly, Khalida Zia, former Bangladesh Prime Minister and rival of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, met Pakistan’s envoy Syed Ahmed Maroof very recently.

Political analysts believe that allowing easier access for Pakistani citizens increases the chances of interference from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, which has a long history of supporting extremist groups in Bangladesh. Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, which have caused unrest and promoted anti-India agendas in the past, may now find it easier to operate again. This could lead to internal instability and worsen relations with India, especially along the sensitive border areas.

The timing of this decision raises doubts about its intent. It appears to align with Pakistan’s efforts to rebuild influence in Bangladesh since their separation in 1971. Pakistan has often used Islamist networks to achieve this goal, and the removal of visa restrictions could strengthen its position in Bangladesh. This policy also seems to fit into Pakistan’s broader plan, supported by China, to counter India in the region. Such moves could hurt Bangladesh’s sovereignty and make it a tool in Pakistan and China’s political games, leading to greater dependency and loss of control over its own policies.

This decision could hurt Bangladesh’s relationship with India, which is a key partner in development and trade. India has supported Bangladesh in important projects like building infrastructure, improving electricity, and connecting the region through transport and trade. By making a move that seems to favor Pakistan, Bangladesh risks losing India’s trust. This could negatively impact these ongoing projects and leave Bangladesh more isolated in South Asia. If Bangladesh starts relying on Pakistan or China instead, it might face hidden costs and long-term problems, as other countries have experienced economic difficulties after forming similar ties with these nations.

Domestically, the removal of restrictions could bring back the influence of extremist groups that have worked against Bangladesh’s secular identity. These groups might spread harmful ideologies, increase religious tensions, and divide the nation. This decision could also help political parties like the BNP, which has strong ties with Pakistan, to create problems for the government. Such actions could slow down Bangladesh’s development and weaken its secular foundation, leading to bigger problems inside the country.

This policy by Bangladesh’s interim government is dangerous and poorly planned. Instead of promoting peace or security, it risks undoing the progress made in recent years. The country must rethink this decision and focus on protecting its national interests and strengthening ties with democratic allies. Allowing Pakistan to take advantage of this situation could lead Bangladesh into a future filled with instability and dependence, which would threaten both its security and future growth.