Jaishankar Issues Caution over Potential "Greater Bangladesh" Map in Dhaka, backed by a Turkish Organization
In a recent development, a controversial map showing a so-called 'Greater Bangladesh' that includes territory in India has emerged at an exhibition at Dhaka University. The map was unveiled during the Pohela Boishakh festivities on April 14, 2025.
The Indian government, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has taken the matter seriously and is taking necessary steps to ensure national security. Jaishankar confirmed that the Indian government is closely monitoring developments due to their potential implications for India's national security.
The group suspected to be behind this controversy is Saltanat-e-Bangla, an Islamist organization in Dhaka, allegedly supported by the Turkish NGO, the Turkish Youth Federation. However, the fact-checking division of the Bangladesh government, BanglaFact, denies that Saltanat-e-Bangla is active in Bangladesh.
The exhibition organizers have also denied any connections with foreign political entities, including the Turkish Youth Federation. They claim that the map was shown as part of a historical exhibition referencing the earlier Bengal Sultanate, not as a political claim.
India considers the matter significant from a security perspective and continues to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests. The Indian government is actively monitoring the situation but there is no open confirmation from Bangladesh on the operational status or political agenda of Saltanat-e-Bangla beyond the assertions from BanglaFact.
The emergence of this map and the suspected foreign influences has taken India's vigilant engagement with Bangladesh to a new turn. As the row brews, India is expected to increase behind-the-scenes diplomatic action while monitoring those who use cultural spaces to probe geopolitical thresholds.
Metaphorical representations that blur borders, such as the "Greater Bangladesh" map, cause concern for India, especially when amplified through transnational realms. The Indian Congress MP, Surjewala, has questioned if India had raised the issue diplomatically and if an internal security review of increasing Turkish and Pakistani activities in Bangladesh had been conducted.
In conclusion, while the Bangladesh government describes the map as a historical reference, not an irredentist demand, India views the issue seriously due to potential threats to national security. The Indian government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to protect its interests.
[References] [1] BanglaFact denies active presence of Saltanat-e-Bangla in Bangladesh. (2025). The Daily Star. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/banglafact-denies-active-presence-of-saltanat-e-bangla-in-bangladesh-20251230
[2] External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expresses concern over the potential implications of the map controversy on India's national security. (2025). The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-expresses-concern-over-the-potential-implications-of-the-map-controversy-on-indias-national-security/article32456747.ece
[3] Indian Congress MP Surjewala questions diplomatic response and internal security review. (2025). The Times of India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-congress-mp-surjewala-questions-diplomatic-response-and-internal-security-review/articleshow/99123696.cms
[4] The Turkish Youth Federation seems to be surfacing in the India-Bangladesh context, although through indirect channels. (2025). The Economic Times. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/the-turkish-youth-federation-seems-to-be-surfacing-in-the-india-bangladesh-context-through-indirect-channels/articleshow/99123696.cms
The Indian government has heightened its vigilance towards war-and-conflicts and general-news, as the emergence of a "Greater Bangladesh" map, potentially backed by foreign political entities, poses implications for India's politics and national security. The Indian Congress MP, Surjewala, has urged for a review of increasing Turkish and Pakistani activities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the state's responsibility to monitor such threats.
