Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Pakistan Navy Visits Bangladesh Amid Concerns of Terror Launchpad
Imagine two countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, that used to be one country a long time ago.
Recently, a Pakistani Navy ship visited Bangladesh, which is special because it's the first time in over 50 years!
The head of Pakistan's Navy also visited to talk about becoming better friends and working together more.
This visit happened after a change in the government in Bangladesh, and it's making the neighboring country, India, a little worried.
Some reports and claims from a Pakistani group suggest that they might be planning to use Bangladesh to attack India.
They say that a leader named Hafiz Saeed is involved and that his helpers have been visiting Bangladesh.
These visitors have reportedly been talking to young people and giving speeches that make them angry at India.
India is keeping a close watch because they are concerned about their safety.
Pakistan Navy warship PNS SAIF docked in Bangladesh for a goodwill visit, the first in over 50 years.
Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited Bangladesh to bolster defense ties and maritime collaboration.
Intelligence reports and claims from Lashkar-e-Taiba suggest plans to use Bangladesh as a launchpad for attacks against India.
A close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, reportedly visited Bangladesh and delivered provocative speeches.
India is concerned about the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh following the change in Bangladesh's government in August 2024.
- Who
- Pakistan Navy (PNS SAIF, Admiral Naveed Ashraf), Lashkar-e-Taiba (Hafiz Saeed, Saifullah Saif, Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer), India, Bangladesh officials.
- What
- A Pakistan Navy warship docked in Bangladesh for the first time in over 50 years, accompanied by a visit from Pakistan's Navy Chief. Intelligence reports and LeT claims suggest plans to use Bangladesh as a launchpad for attacks on India, raising concerns in New Delhi.
- When
- The Pakistan Navy ship docked recently, and the Navy Chief arrived on a Sunday for a four-day visit. The alleged planning for anti-India activities and visits by Saeed's associates occurred around October 2024 and prior to February 2025, following the August 2024 political change in Bangladesh.
- Where
- Chattogram port and other locations in Bangladesh, with alleged operations planned towards India.
- Why
- To strengthen bilateral defense ties and maritime collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to official statements. However, intelligence reports and statements from LeT figures suggest an intent to use Bangladesh as a base for anti-India operations.
Pakistan and Allies' Stance
India's Concerns and Intelligence Reports
Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations
Pakistan and Allies' Stance
The recent visits by Pakistan's Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the warship PNS SAIF are part of strengthening bilateral defense ties and improving maritime collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh. These engagements aim to bolster cooperation through training, seminars, and mutual visits. Relations have improved since August 2024, with resumed direct trade and measures like visa-free travel.
India's Concerns and Intelligence Reports
Indian officials are concerned about the warming ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime in August 2024. Intelligence reports suggest Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed is planning to use Bangladesh as a new launchpad for attacks against India. LeT commander Saifullah Saif claimed operatives are active in Bangladesh and prepared to 'answer India for Operation Sindoor'.
Activities of Hafiz Saeed's Associate
Pakistan and Allies' Stance
The articles do not explicitly present a counter-narrative from Pakistan or Bangladesh regarding the activities of Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer.
India's Concerns and Intelligence Reports
Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, a close aide of Hafiz Saeed, reportedly visited Bangladesh in October 2024 and again prior to February 2025. He allegedly incited local youth, provided terror training, and made provocative speeches, including those discussing Kashmir and advocating for a unified Muslim front against secular forces.
- Pakistan Navy Warship
- PNS SAIF
- Pakistan Navy Chief
- Admiral Naveed Ashraf
- Pakistan Military Official
- General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee)
- Hafiz Saeed Associate
- Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer
- Location of Warship Visit
- Chattogram port, Bangladesh
- Timing of Warship Visit
- Arrived on Friday, four-day goodwill visit until November 12
- Timing of Navy Chief Visit
- Arrived on Sunday, four-day trip
- Shift in Bangladesh Government
- Fall of Sheikh Hasina regime in August 2024