India raises eyebrows over alleged Chinese support for terrorist organisation Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh

Indian Government sources have deemed the recent engagement between the Chinese Government and Jamaat-e-Islami as “unusual.” Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka, Yao Wen, praised Jamaat-e-Islami as a well-organised political entity during his meeting with Jamaat’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the party’s central office in Dhaka on September 2. This endorsement comes in the wake of a recent coup in Bangladesh that led to the replacement of Sheikh Hasina’s Government. The sudden support from China for a group that was previously banned but is now significantly empowered amid ongoing political instability has raised concerns among Indian officials, who are questioning the broader implications of this shift.

Reports indicate that the two discussed recent developments in Bangladesh and pledged to enhance cooperation between the people and governments of their respective countries. This is the first visit by a foreign diplomat to the Jamaat-e-Islami office since 2010. The office had been sealed by the police and remained closed until August, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Government due to the student-led uprising.

Following his meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, the Chinese ambassador lauded Bangladesh as a beautiful country and characterized Jamaat-e-Islami as well-organized. He expressed China’s desire to build a friendly relationship with the people of Bangladesh and committed to supporting the nation’s development, progress, and prosperity.

Ambassador Yao remarked that Bangladesh is currently at a historical crossroads. He emphasised, “China is dedicated to enhancing exchanges and cooperation with the Interim Government, all political parties, and various sectors of Bangladeshi society. Our goal is to strengthen the traditional friendship between our two countries and advance the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, ultimately bringing greater benefits to both nations and their people.”

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman acknowledged China’s “significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economic and social development.” He reaffirmed Jamaat’s strong support for the One-China Principle and expressed the party’s readiness to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, he called on China to increase its involvement in investment and in the rehabilitation of Rohingya refugees.

The meeting also included Jamaat’s Nayeeb-e-Ameer Mujibur Rahman, Dr Syed Abdullah Md Taher, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, and other senior leaders.