A close associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has been spotted touring several border regions of Bangladesh, raising serious security concerns in both Dhaka and New Delhi.
According to reports by India Today, Ibtisam Ilahi Zaher — the General Secretary of Pakistan’s Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith — arrived in Dhaka on October 25. Since then, he has reportedly visited Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, with plans to travel to Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Joypurhat, and Naogaon districts — all located near the India-Bangladesh border.
This marks Zaher’s second visit to Bangladesh in 2025, following an earlier trip in February. Indian intelligence agencies believe his current visit carries “highly concerning objectives,” involving coordination with local fundamentalist networks.
Zaher is also expected to attend a Mega Salafi Conference scheduled for November 6–7 in Dangipara, Rajshahi, before departing Bangladesh on November 8.
A recently surfaced video shows Zaher urging Muslims to “be ready to sacrifice themselves and their children for Islam,” adding that “Muslims from Pakistan to Bangladesh must unite against secular forces.”
Referring to Kashmir, Zaher said, “Kashmiris are being deprived of freedom. It is Pakistan’s duty to stand up against this injustice. The day will come when Kashmir becomes part of Pakistan.”
Bangladesh’s interim government has not yet issued any official statement on Zaher’s visit, but international security agencies are reportedly monitoring his movements and activities closely.
