Saltanat-e-Bangla and the “Greater Bangladesh” Map: A Geopolitical Flashpoint Raises Alarm in India
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
A political storm is brewing in South Asia following revelations that a radical Islamist group called Saltanat-e-Bangla, reportedly backed by a Turkish NGO, has been linked to the circulation of a controversial “Greater Bangladesh” map that includes parts of Indian territory. The map has reignited diplomatic and strategic concerns in India and drawn sharp scrutiny from the highest levels of government.
The Controversial Exhibition and the Map
The issue came to light following an exhibition held on April 14, 2025, at the Teacher-Student Centre of Dhaka University, during the celebration of Pohela Boisakh — the Bengali New Year. Among the exhibits was a map portraying an expanded version of Bangladesh, often referred to as “Greater Bangladesh,” encompassing regions from Indian states such as West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and even parts of Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) state.
Although the organisers claimed the map was merely a historical representation of the Bengal Sultanate, its implications were not lost on Indian authorities. Concerns were soon raised over the political messaging and possible strategic motives behind the display.
Indian Government’s Response in Parliament
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, formally addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha on July 31. Responding to a question raised by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, Jaishankar confirmed that the group behind the map — Saltanat-e-Bangla — was operating from Dhaka and had received backing from the Turkish Youth Federation, a non-governmental organisation based in Turkey.
Jaishankar assured the House that the Indian government is closely monitoring the developments, particularly those with implications for national security. While he did not reveal the extent of diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh or Turkey, the minister emphasized that India remains vigilant and is taking necessary steps to protect its interests.
Denials and Clarifications from Bangladesh
In an effort to contain the fallout, Bangladesh’s official fact-checking platform BanglaFact issued a clarification stating that no official records or evidence exist to confirm the active presence of Saltanat-e-Bangla within Bangladesh. Furthermore, the organisers of the Dhaka exhibition maintained that the displayed map was not meant to be political but a historical artifact reflecting the medieval boundaries of the Bengal Sultanate.
Despite these reassurances, the controversy has not abated in India. The symbolic nature of the map has done little to quell fears that extremist elements, possibly with foreign support, are attempting to stoke secessionist or irredentist sentiments.
Assam’s Chief Minister Issues Stern Warning
The incident has particularly alarmed officials in India's northeastern states, especially Assam, which shares a long and sensitive border with Bangladesh. On May 21, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a direct warning to Bangladesh, urging its leadership to “keep their eyes off the Chicken’s Neck.”
The “Chicken’s Neck” — also known as the Siliguri Corridor — is a narrow stretch of land that connects mainland India to its northeastern states. It is a strategically vital area, and any perception of a threat to its integrity is treated with the utmost seriousness. Sarma asserted that Bangladesh would be mistaken to believe it could challenge India militarily, and warned of a retaliatory response if provoked.
Turkish Influence in South Asia Raises Eyebrows
One of the most concerning aspects of the episode has been the involvement of the Turkish Youth Federation, which reportedly provided support to Saltanat-e-Bangla. The presence of a Turkish NGO backing Islamist narratives in South Asia has raised red flags in New Delhi, especially given Turkey’s deepening ties with Pakistan and its increasing visibility in the Muslim world.
India has observed with growing unease Turkey’s diplomatic maneuvers that seem to align with pan-Islamist agendas. The map controversy has thus been interpreted by some analysts as part of a broader strategy by Ankara to expand its ideological and geopolitical reach in regions where Islamist sentiment can be exploited.
The “Greater Bangladesh” Theory: Myth or Menace?
The idea of a “Greater Bangladesh” is not new. It is often dismissed as a conspiracy theory, rooted more in political fear-mongering than in reality. Nevertheless, it has persisted in the discourse, especially within Indian nationalist circles. The theory alleges that Bangladesh harbors long-term ambitions to unify all Bengali-speaking regions under one national identity — potentially absorbing parts of India and Myanmar.
Though there is no official Bangladeshi policy supporting such an idea, fringe groups and isolated incidents — such as this exhibition — continue to give life to these fears. Moreover, past provocations, such as a viral map tweeted by a Bangladeshi government adviser in December 2024, have added fuel to the fire.
Conclusion: Symbolism That Cannot Be Ignored
While the Bangladeshi government and fact-checkers have attempted to distance themselves from the controversy, the issue continues to resonate within Indian political and security circles. Even if the map was symbolic or historical in nature, its public display — backed by a foreign-funded NGO and linked to a shadowy Islamist group — carries significant weight in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
India, already navigating difficult dynamics with its western and eastern neighbors, views such moves with deep suspicion. The government’s response, though cautious, signals its intention to remain vigilant against narratives or organisations that may seek to destabilize its territorial and cultural integrity.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, News18)
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