Jaishankar on ‘Greater Bangladesh’ Map: No Evidence of Radical Group’s Presence, Vigilance Maintained

The Indian government is aware of reports regarding an Islamist group in Dhaka—Saltanat-e-Bangla—allegedly backed by a Turkish NGO, the Turkish Youth Federation, which displayed a provocative map of a so-called Greater Bangladesh incorporating parts of India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament.

Responding to a starred question raised by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar confirmed that the controversial map was reportedly exhibited at Dhaka University during a historical display on Pohela Boisakh, the Bengali New Year, on April 14, 2025. However, he clarified that the Bangladeshi government’s official fact-checking platform, BanglaFact, had found no evidence that Saltanat-e-Bangla was an active group in Bangladesh.

According to BanglaFact, the map was part of a historical reference to the ancient Bengal Sultanate and not an expression of any contemporary territorial claims. The exhibition’s organizers also denied any affiliation with foreign political organizations, including the Turkish NGO in question.

“The Government has taken note of reports… and is closely monitoring developments that could affect national security. All necessary measures are being taken to safeguard India’s interests,” the External Affairs Minister stated.

Surjewala had sought details about the Indian government’s diplomatic response and its assessment of the rising involvement of Turkish and Pakistani actors in Bangladesh, particularly in contexts that could pose a strategic threat to India.

The MEA did not confirm any formal diplomatic protest but emphasized that it remains vigilant and continues to assess potential implications of foreign influence in the region.