The recent victory of the Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election, has sparked concerns in India, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor calling it a "worrying sign". This marks the first such victory for an Islamist student group since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. The implications of this win are far-reaching, potentially influencing the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and raising questions about the future of India-Bangladesh relations.

Tharoor expressed his shock and apprehension regarding the Jamaat-e-Islami's win in the Dhaka University polls. He suggested that the victory reflects a growing frustration among the Bangladeshi public with established political entities like the Bangladesh National Party and the Awami League. According to Tharoor, voters may be turning to groups like Jamaat-e-Islami because they are perceived as untainted by corruption and misgovernance.

The ICS secured a significant victory, winning 23 out of 28 DUCSU posts, decisively defeating the student front of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This outcome is particularly noteworthy because Dhaka University has historically been a center of Bengali nationalism and a key force in the liberation struggle for Bangladesh. The university's control falling into the hands of an Islamist group aiming to establish an Islamic state in Bangladesh has caused considerable unease among the country's elites and intellectuals.

The success of the ICS has implications beyond just the university campus. As Bangladesh prepares for its parliamentary elections in February 2026, this victory could sway voter sentiment and potentially impact national outcomes. Some observers believe that this win could also influence student elections in other major universities where Jamaat-e-Islami has been gaining traction.

However, the DUCSU election results have been met with mixed reactions. While some, like National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, have urged all parties to respect the outcome, others have rejected the results, alleging "planned manipulation" and calling the polls a "farce". Leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other panels boycotted the election, claiming that the Shibir alliance won with the backing of the university administration. Allegations of pre-filled ballots and voters being handed slips already marked for Shibir-backed candidates have also surfaced.

Concerns in India stem from Jamaat-e-Islami's history of building anti-Indian sentiments. Some fear that the rise of Islamist influence in Bangladesh could strain the relationship between the two countries. There are worries that the Jamaat may exploit this victory to further its agenda of turning Bangladesh into an Islamic state.

The victory of Jamaat-e-Islami's student wing in the Dhaka University polls is a complex issue with potential ramifications for Bangladesh's political future and its relationship with India. It highlights the growing influence of Islamist political groups within educational institutions and underscores the need for political parties and analysts to carefully consider the shifting dynamics in the region.