External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has informed Parliament that the government is closely monitoring a controversial map depicting a so-called “Greater Bangladesh” — one that includes parts of Indian territory — allegedly promoted by an Islamist group in Dhaka with backing from a Turkish NGO.
Responding in writing to a starred question by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said the group, known as ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, is reportedly supported by the Turkish Youth Federation. The map was displayed at Dhaka University.
“The Government has taken note of reports… We are closely monitoring developments with implications for India’s national security and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard it,” Jaishankar stated.
Bangladesh Clarifies
According to the Bangladesh government’s fact-checking platform BanglaFact, there is no evidence of ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ operating in the country. The platform clarified that the map was part of a historical exhibition referring to the medieval Bengal Sultanate, not a current political campaign.
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the exhibition took place during Pohela Boisakh celebrations on April 14, 2025, and the organisers denied any ties to foreign political entities.
Congress Seeks Clarification
Surjewala pressed the government to confirm whether the issue had been raised diplomatically with Bangladesh and if any security assessment had been carried out regarding increased Turkish and Pakistani engagement in the country.
The controversy comes amid heightened sensitivity in New Delhi over cross-border radical influences and their potential implications for India’s eastern security environment.
