A diplomatic incident involving Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has ignited a significant controversy, with a map showing India’s northeastern states as part of Bangladesh presented to Pakistan’s General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. The book containing this map, titled ‘Art of Triumph: Bangladesh’s New Dawn’, has drawn severe criticism from India.
This controversial map portrays an expanded Bangladesh, incorporating India’s entire northeast region, West Bengal, and other Indian states, as well as parts of Myanmar. This ‘Greater Bangladesh’ narrative has previously surfaced and been raised in Indian parliamentary discussions, indicating a recurring concern.
The timing of this incident is particularly sensitive, as relations between India and Bangladesh are reportedly strained following the recent political changes. Yunus’ administration is also observed to be enhancing ties with China and Pakistan, while Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, is in exile in India. India has previously emphasized the connectivity role of its northeastern states for the BIMSTEC initiative, countering any narrative of them being isolated or dependent.
This territorial depiction echoes ongoing border disputes India faces with its neighbors. India is in a long-standing disagreement with China over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, and with Pakistan over the Kashmir region. The controversial map gifted by Yunus highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding national borders and historical territorial claims across South Asia.