China Engages Jamaat-e-Islami Ahead of Bangladesh Polls, Raising India's Alarm

• Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, sparking concern across South Asia.
• Beijing views Jamaat-e-Islami as a significant street-mobilisation force in Bangladesh, capable of influencing election outcomes and post-poll stability.
• China's outreach aims to protect its extensive Belt and Road Initiative investments in Bangladesh, which are vulnerable to political unrest.
• Jamaat-e-Islami's anti-India stance is seen by Beijing as a way to maintain strategic leverage in Dhaka and counterbalance New Delhi's influence.
• India is concerned about China's engagement with an Islamist party known for street violence and anti-India positions, fearing regional instability and radicalization.

Why It Matters: China's strategic engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh raises significant concerns for India's regional security.