EP-377 | Bangladesh to Pakistan: Rising Islamisation & Terror Threats Explained

EP-377 | Bangladesh to Pakistan: Rising Islamisation & Terror Threats Explained

Author: Asian News International (ANI) January 4, 2026 Duration: 1:38:24

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), and Dinkar Srivastava, former diplomat and Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation.


They discuss the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, the future of the Awami League, and the role of Sheikh Hasina. The conversation also revolves around at growing concerns about minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh. Is there a rising wave of Islamisation? And how should India move forward in its ties with Dhaka?


Pakistan is also in focus. The guests talk about the rise of Asim Munir, the new boss of all things military and nuclear in Pakistan. Can the threat of another terror attack from Pakistan be ruled out?


The episode also explores how China and the United States are shaping choices in South Asia, and what India’s response should be in a changing regional scenario.


00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Why Asim Munir Took CDF Role

05:54 – The Fall of Pervez Musharraf

07:43 – Can Pakistan Attack India Again?

15:03 – Will Bangladesh Hold Elections in February 2026?

25:37 – Imran Khan vs Asim Munir

32:39 – Rising Islamisation in Bangladesh

44:20 – Rohingya Crisis Explained

47:15 – Role of Pakistan Army in Politics

51:03 – When ISI Trained Guns on Dinkar Srivastava

01:11:40 – Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh

01:23:50 – India as the Standard in Pakistan

01:30:15 – India’s Neighbourhood Strategy


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
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ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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