Who is Mufti Zubayer Rahmany? Bangladesh’s Radical Cleric Enters India, Sparking Security Fears

New Delhi: Indian authorities have been put on high alert amid the reports of entry and activities of Mufti Mahmodul Hasan Zubayer, also known as Mufti Zubayer Rahmany, a Bangladeshi radical suspected of links to the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).

Reportedly, Rahmany reportedly entered India on September 5 via the Haridaspur land border check post in West Bengal.

As per sources, Rahmany visited Islamic institutions in Delhi and possibly Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh.

INDIA MONITORS ANSARULLAH BANGLA TEAM (ABT)

He is alleged to be involved in anti-India propaganda through social media, supporting anti-India elements, insurgents, and radicals, and advocating for the boycott of Indian products. There are also claims of his involvement in demands for the separation of northeastern states from India.

For the unaware, Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) is a radical Islamist organization based in Bangladesh, known for its extremist ideology and violent activities. Formed in 2007, ABT has been linked to numerous attacks on bloggers, writers, and activists in Bangladesh.

The group advocates for the implementation of Sharia law and has expressed support for global jihadist movements.

India considers ABT to be a grave security threat because of its:

1. Alleged Connections To International Terrorism
2. Supposed Ties To Other Radical Organizations
3. Propaganda And Recruitment Activities Against India
4. Potential Cooperation With Separatist Movements In The Northeastern Regions Of India

Indian intelligence agencies closely monitor ABT's activities, fearing its potential to radicalize youth and destabilize the region.

ANTI-INDIA ACTIONS BY BANGLADESH'S INTERIM GOVERNMENT

This development comes amid significant political shifts in Bangladesh. The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government recently ended the detention of extremist leaders, allegedly under the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a group outlawed by the previous Sheikh Hasina government.

As part of this move, Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of the Islamist outfit ABT, was also released from Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail.

Prior to the interim government taking charge, two other prominent figures with alleged ties to Pakistan's ISI were released: Brigadier General Abdullahil Aman Azmi and lawyer Ahmad Bin Quasem. Azmi, son of ex-Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ghulam Azam, has previously questioned the accusation of genocide against the Pakistani Army in the 1971 war.

LEGITIMACY OF YUNUS GOVERNMENT IN QUESTION

The legitimacy of the interim government is also under scrutiny. Reports suggest that Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has questioned the participation of Md Yunus as head of the interim government in the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA).

The objection is based on the grounds that the regime lacks legal sanctity under Bangladesh's Constitution.