The government of India has taken cognizance of a troubling new development concerning an Islamist outfit based in Dhaka—'Saltanat-e-Bangla'—which has reportedly distributed a contentious map showing a so-called 'Greater Bangladesh' covering some territories of India.
The outfit is reportedly supported by a Turkish non-governmental organization, the 'Turkish Youth Federation', External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said.
Replies in written form to a starred question placed by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar replied, "The Government has noted reports that an Islamist organization in Dhaka known as the 'Saltanat-e-Bangla', supported by a Turkish NGO known as the 'Turkish Youth Federation', has published a map of so-called 'Greater Bangladesh' incorporating territory from India. The map was exhibited in the Dhaka University."
The concerned map was exhibited as part of a show at Dhaka University during Pohela Boisakh celebrations on April 14, 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In its formal reaction, the MEA also said the government remains vigilant and is keeping a close watch on the developments in view of any possible national security considerations. "The government.continues to take all required steps to protect it," the minister asserted.
Surprisingly, Jaishankar's comments also brought to light that the Bangladesh-based fact-checking website 'BanglaFact' cannot locate any concrete evidence indicating that 'Saltanat-e-Bangla' is operational in Bangladesh. The website explained that the map shown was a part of an existing historical exhibit pertaining to the former Bengal Sultanate, and not to any contemporary political movement.
Moreover, the authorities of the Dhaka University exhibition have allegedly rejected having any attachments with international political movements or overseas organizations, clearing themselves of any ideological intentions associated with the 'Greater Bangladesh' map.
Congress MP Surjewala, who moved the question in Parliament, had requested the government to make it clear whether the matter had been pursued diplomatically with the Bangladesh government. He also demanded an evaluation of possible security threats emanating from increasing Turkish and Pakistani influence in Bangladesh.
The minister's reaction did not confirm if the issue had been brought up formally with Dhaka but stressed vigil and constant monitoring of any emerging threats that could impact India's national interests.
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