A diplomatic storm has been brewing after Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, presented a book containing a map that incorrectly places Indian territory within Bangladesh’s borders. The map, which showed states like Assam as part of Bangladesh, was gifted to Pakistan’s top military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, during his visit to Dhaka.
An image of the book, titled ‘Art of Triumph: Bangladesh’s New Dawn,’ was posted on Yunus’ official X profile. While the book reportedly celebrates a student movement, the inclusion of sovereign Indian land on the map has led to widespread condemnation and diplomatic friction.
This portrayal aligns with the ‘Greater Bangladesh’ notion, espoused by certain Islamist groups, which envisions an expanded Bangladesh encompassing India’s entire Northeast, West Bengal, and portions of other eastern Indian states, along with parts of Myanmar. This specific map design had previously been exhibited at Dhaka University and later brought to the attention of India’s parliament. Hints of this expansionist narrative had emerged earlier through materials shared by individuals associated with Yunus.
Furthermore, Yunus has previously articulated views on the Northeast’s geographical position. He once stated during a trip to China that the region’s Indian states were landlocked, implicitly positioning Bangladesh as their oceanic access point. India’s External Affairs Minister countered by highlighting the Northeast’s vital role in regional connectivity initiatives like BIMSTEC. Post the recent political transition in Bangladesh, relations with India have become more delicate, compounded by Yunus’ perceived overtures towards China and Pakistan, and the political circumstances of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.