A Turkish-backed Islamist group in Bangladesh, ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla,’ has published a controversial ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map that includes several Indian states in the eastern and northeastern regions, as well as Myanmar’s Arakan State. This map has been displayed in university campuses across Dhaka and areas popular among youth and students, raising serious concerns about India-Bangladesh relations and regional security.
The map incorporates India’s Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire northeastern region (including Assam and Tripura) as part of ‘Greater Bangladesh,’ alongside Arakan State in Myanmar. The targeted dissemination among youth suggests the group’s intent to promote an Islamist agenda.
Since Muhammad Yunus’s interim government came to power, Turkey has increased its influence in Bangladesh, mirroring its relationship with Pakistan. Turkish NGOs linked to the ruling AKP have become more active, with allegations of Pakistan facilitating closer ties between Turkey and Bangladesh. Turkey has also proposed supplying military equipment to the Bangladesh armed forces, indicating strategic intentions.
This development poses a significant concern for India, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck,’ which connects India’s northeastern states to the mainland. The map and the growing influence of Turkey and Pakistan have created challenges for India’s security apparatus.
Under Yunus’s government, there has been a rise in Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, with increased attacks on the Hindu community and efforts to erode cultural identity, further straining India-Bangladesh relations. For instance, a video surfaced showing Bangladeshi extremist Maulana Abdul Kuddus Faruqui threatening a suicide attack in Kolkata, escalating regional tensions. These incidents highlight the need for vigilance to ensure regional stability.
