Mugdha Das

Turkey-backed org circulates ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map showing Northeast India as part of the map

Digital Desk: Rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia have taken a provocative turn as a Turkey-backed organization has released a controversial map claiming vast swathes of Indian Territory as part of a so-called Greater Bangladesh.

The move has raised serious security and diplomatic concerns in India and the region.

Sultanat-e-Bangla, a Turkish NGO-backed Islamist group in Dhaka, displayed maps of so- called Greater Bangladesh — that comprises several Indian states, including the entire Northeast region.

The map marked the entire Northeast region of India, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Arakan State in Myanmar as part of Greater Bangladesh.

It may be mentioned here that in March this year, the Md Yunus government in Bangladesh urged China to extend its economic influence to Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that India’s northeastern states being landlocked could prove to be an opportunity.

According to media reports, the Turkey-backed organization is attempting to revive the legacy of the medieval Bengal Sultanate.

The map was revealed at an event held at the Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University — one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious academic institutions.

Sources indicate that the TSC is temporarily being used as the group's operational hub.

Turkey’s increasing presence in Bangladesh has drawn international scrutiny, especially given its close military and strategic ties with Pakistan.

Observers note that Ankara’s growing involvement in the region, including arms support to Pakistan and ideological influence campaigns in Bangladesh, could further destabilize an already fragile geopolitical landscape.

Indian security agencies are closely monitoring the developments and are expected to raise the issue through diplomatic and strategic channels.

The release of the map has been viewed as a direct challenge to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.