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A new diplomatic and strategic concern is emerging in South Asia following the circulation of a controversial map by a Turkish-backed Islamist group in Bangladesh. The map, which allegedly depicts a ‘Greater Bangladesh,' includes vast swathes of Indian territory, such as Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the entire northeastern region, along with Myanmar's Arakan state, stated a report from The Economic Times.
The provocative move has ignited alarm in Indian security and diplomatic circles, particularly due to Turkey's deepening involvement in Bangladesh and its known military collaborations with Pakistan.
The Map and the Group Behind It
The group at the centre of this controversy is Saltanat-e-Bangla, an Islamist outfit allegedly backed by Turkish NGOs operating in Dhaka.
The map was reportedly displayed in university spaces across the Bangladeshi capital, including Dhaka University’s Teacher-Student Centre during Pohela Boishakh festivities in April.
In one widely shared image, a person is seen posing beside the “Saltanat-e-Bangla” map, which boldly incorporates Indian states as part of a future expansionist vision of Bangladesh.
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Turkey’s Expanding Influence in Bangladesh
What makes this development even more concerning is the increasing footprint of Turkey in Bangladesh. Analysts note that Turkey is replicating in Dhaka the playbook it has used in Islamabad by providing ideological support, military cooperation, and NGO-based grassroots influence.
Since the Yunus regime assumed power in Bangladesh, Turkey has proposed military supplies to the Bangladeshi armed forces, a move seen as a calculated strategy to extend Ankara’s defence diplomacy in South Asia.
Further, Turkish NGOs aligned with the ruling AKP party have been particularly active in Bangladesh’s educational and religious sectors, drawing parallels to Turkey's support of Islamist causes abroad.
Pakistan's Shadow Over the Alliance
Behind the growing Turkey-Bangladesh relationship lies the subtle influence of Pakistan, which has reportedly played a key role in bringing Ankara and Dhaka closer. This trilateral convergence of Turkey, Bangladesh, and Pakistan could pose serious threats to India, not just ideologically but militarily as well.
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Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
India-Bangladesh relations have already witnessed significant strain in recent months. Attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, have surged in Bangladesh under the current government, further eroding trust between the two nations.
India’s recent move to restrict $770 million worth of imports from Bangladesh, nearly 42% of total imports, reflects the cooling bilateral climate.
