The ‘Greater Bangladesh’ Map: What’s the Controversy?

The Map and Its Claims

The ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map, circulated by the Turkey-backed NGO Saltanat-e-Bangla, has caused a stir by claiming territories far beyond Bangladesh’s current borders. According to reports, the map includes:

• Indian States: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Northeast region, including Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Myanmar’s Territory: The Arakan (Rakhine) state, home to the Rohingya population.
• Symbolic Implications: The map is presented as a vision of an Islamic “sultanate,” raising concerns about its ideological underpinnings.

These claims are not just cartographic fantasies; they challenge the sovereignty of India and Myanmar, two nations with complex relationships with Bangladesh. The map’s circulation in Dhaka’s university halls, particularly among students and youth, suggests a targeted effort to influence impressionable minds.

Turkey’s Role and Motives

Why is Turkey, a nation thousands of miles away, involved in this controversy? Experts point to Turkey’s growing geopolitical ambitions in South Asia, often aligned with its vision of leading the Islamic world. The NGO’s backing by Turkish entities raises questions about Ankara’s intentions. Possible motives include:

1. Countering India’s Influence: Turkey’s support for Pakistan and its critical stance on India’s Kashmir policy suggest a broader strategy to challenge New Delhi’s regional dominance.
2. Expanding Soft Power: By backing NGOs and cultural initiatives, Turkey seeks to project influence in Muslim-majority nations like Bangladesh.
3. Geopolitical Leverage: Aligning with Bangladesh, especially amid strained India-Bangladesh ties, could give Turkey a strategic foothold in South Asia.

Turkey’s involvement is particularly concerning given its history of supporting controversial causes, such as Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, which has led to actions like Indian universities suspending academic ties with Turkey.

The Broader Context: India-Bangladesh Relations in 2025

A Strained Relationship

India and Bangladesh have historically shared a complex relationship, marked by cooperation and occasional friction. However, 2025 has seen ties deteriorate significantly. Key developments include:

• Trade Restrictions: India imposed curbs on imports of Bangladeshi ready-made garments and processed foods, citing logistical issues and strained relations.
• Transshipment Withdrawal: India revoked a 2020 agreement allowing Bangladeshi exports to use Indian ports and airports for third-country shipments, impacting global brands like Zara.
• Minority Persecution Concerns: India has repeatedly condemned violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the killing of Hindu leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in April 2025, which New Delhi labeled as part of “systematic persecution.”
• Bangladesh’s Pivot to China and Pakistan: Under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has deepened ties with China and revived maritime links with Pakistan, raising alarms in India.

These tensions provide fertile ground for external actors like Turkey to exploit, as evidenced by the ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map controversy.

The Siliguri Corridor Concern

The map’s inclusion of India’s Northeast region is particularly alarming due to the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” This narrow strip of land in West Bengal connects mainland India to its eight Northeastern states. A provocative post by Yunus’ aide, Mahfuz Alam, in December 2024, depicted the corridor as part of Bangladesh, amplifying fears of territorial ambitions.

Why is this significant?

• The corridor is India’s only land link to its Northeast, making it a critical security and economic lifeline.
• Its proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, and China adds to its geopolitical sensitivity.
• Any destabilization could disrupt India’s regional influence and connectivity projects.

Implications of the ‘Greater Bangladesh’ Map

Regional Stability at Risk

The circulation of the map has far-reaching implications for South Asia:

• India’s Security Concerns: The inclusion of Indian territories threatens national sovereignty and could embolden separatist movements in the Northeast.
• Bangladesh’s Internal Dynamics: The map’s appeal to youth and students suggests an attempt to radicalize segments of the population, potentially destabilizing Bangladesh’s interim government.
• Myanmar’s Reaction: The inclusion of Arakan state could complicate Bangladesh-Myanmar relations, especially amid ongoing Rohingya repatriation talks.
• Turkey’s Regional Role: Turkey’s involvement risks escalating tensions with India, potentially drawing in other powers like Pakistan and China.

Diplomatic and Economic Fallout

The controversy is already straining India-Bangladesh relations further. India’s response has been measured but firm, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejecting Bangladesh’s comments on unrelated issues like the Murshidabad violence. Meanwhile, economic measures like trade restrictions signal New Delhi’s willingness to exert pressure. Data highlights the stakes:

• Bilateral Trade: Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, with trade valued at $12.9 billion in 2023-24.
• Export Impact: The transshipment withdrawal could cost Bangladesh’s apparel industry, which accounts for 16% of its GDP, millions in lost revenue.
• Minority Violence: Over 2,374 incidents of violence against minorities were reported in Bangladesh between August 2024 and February 2025, fueling India’s concerns.

Actionable Tips: How to Stay Informed and Engaged

Navigating complex geopolitical issues like this requires staying informed and critically analyzing developments. Here are practical tips:

1. Follow Credible Sources:
   • Rely on outlets like The Economic Times, The Financial Express, and The Hindu for verified updates.
   • Cross-check social media claims with primary sources to avoid misinformation.
2. Understand the Geopolitical Context:
   • Read about India-Bangladesh relations and Turkey’s role in South Asia through think tanks like the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) or Carnegie India.
   • Explore historical events like the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War to grasp the region’s sensitivities.
3. Engage in Discussions:
   • Join online forums or X conversations to share perspectives, but maintain a respectful tone.
   • Ask questions like: “How can India balance diplomacy and firmness in responding to such provocations?”
4. Monitor Diplomatic Developments:
   • Track statements from India’s MEA or Bangladesh’s interim government for official positions.
   • Watch for upcoming summits, like BIMSTEC 2025, where India and Bangladesh may address tensions.
5. Support Regional Stability:
   • Advocate for dialogue and cooperation by sharing articles or petitions calling for peaceful resolutions.
   • Educate others about the importance of sovereignty and mutual respect in international relations.

The Road Ahead: Can Diplomacy Prevail?

The ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map controversy is a wake-up call for South Asia’s leaders. For India, it underscores the need for a robust yet nuanced response, balancing diplomatic pressure with economic leverage. Bangladesh must address internal vulnerabilities that allow foreign-backed groups to sow discord. Turkey’s role demands scrutiny, as its actions could destabilize an already volatile region.

What can be done?

• Strengthen Bilateral Ties: India and Bangladesh should revive dialogue channels, focusing on trade, security, and minority rights.
• Counter Foreign Influence: India could work with allies to limit Turkey’s overreach in South Asia, possibly through forums like the Quad.
• Engage Youth: Both nations must invest in education and counter-radicalization programs to prevent divisive narratives from taking root.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Ramanation of the ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map by a Turkey-backed NGO is more than a cartographic controversy—it’s a geopolitical flashpoint with the potential to reshape South Asia’s dynamics. By understanding its origins, implications, and the broader context, we can better navigate this complex issue. Stay informed, engage in constructive dialogue, and advocate for diplomacy to ensure regional stability.

What are your thoughts? Share your views in the comments below or join the conversation on X using #GreaterBangladesh. Subscribe to our blog for more insights on global affairs, and let’s work together to promote peace and understanding in South Asia.