Former Indian envoy to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has raised concerns about the potential rise of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh following the recent victory of its student wing in Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections. This marks the first time an Islamist student group has secured such a victory since Bangladesh's independence in 1971.

Speaking at a discussion on "Are We Prepared for the Bangladesh Elections?" at the India International Centre, Shringla cautioned against any dispensation that acts against India's core interests, emphasizing the need for vigilance. He described Jamaat-e-Islami as a "leopard (that) is not going to change its spots". Shringla reminded the audience of Jamaat's role as an "auxiliary force" of the Pakistani Army during the Liberation War, when it was accused of atrocities, including genocide against Hindus. He added that the organization has blood on their hands and is also a part of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), Jamaat's student wing, won a landslide victory in the DUCSU elections, securing 23 out of 28 posts. Abu Shadik Kayem, the ICS candidate, won the presidency. More than 78% of students voted in the election, which university authorities deemed "largely fair".

Analysts suggest that the election results reflect frustration with past governments and could potentially influence the country's national direction. Md Shahabul Haque, a professor of political studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, noted that Jamaat and Chhatrashibir faced political persecution under the Sheikh Hasina government for the last 15 years. The Awami League government was toppled in August of last year after student-led uprising.

Political observers have described the outcome as a "surprise" and a possible "sign of change". However, some caution against interpreting it as a broader right-wing surge. Some believe that students who lean towards Awami League preferred voting for Jamaat's student wing instead of BNP.

Shringla also highlighted the growing presence of Pakistan in Bangladesh, particularly the activities of Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, along India's borders. He warned of a "real danger of collusion between inimical forces, enabled by the current system led primarily by the Jamaat-e-Islami".

While reaffirming India's respect for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, Shringla stressed that "when it comes to countries with whom we share borders, there is no such thing as purely internal affairs".

The student front of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has rejected the DUCSU election results, alleging "planned manipulation" and calling the polls a "farce". Despite these allegations, the victory of Jamaat's student wing remains a significant event, raising concerns about the future political landscape of Bangladesh and its potential implications for India-Bangladesh relations.