NEW DELHI, May 18: A major diplomatic stir is brewing after a Turkish-backed NGO in Dhaka allegedly showcased controversial maps depicting a so-called “Greater Bangladesh,” which includes significant portions of India’s eastern and northeastern states, as well as parts of Myanmar.

According to sources quoted by The Economic Times, the provocative map features India’s Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, the entire Northeast region, and Myanmar’s Arakan state. The map has reportedly surfaced across university halls in the Bangladeshi capital, particularly in areas frequented by students and youth.

One such image, dating back to April this year, was captured at Dhaka University’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) during Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations. It shows an individual posing with the “Saltanat-E-Bangla” map, which portrays multiple Indian regions as part of a greater Bangladesh.

This development has triggered strong concerns in India, especially at a time when bilateral relations with Bangladesh are facing increasing strain. Tensions have escalated under the Yunus regime, which has been criticized for failing to curb rising attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, across Bangladesh.

The controversy has taken a more alarming turn due to Turkey’s growing presence in Bangladesh. Reports suggest that Turkish military cooperation with Dhaka has intensified under the current government, while Turkish NGOs—allegedly affiliated with Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)—have become increasingly active within the country.

Experts tracking Turkish foreign influence have raised concerns over the possible spread of Islamist ideologies, including those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, through these NGOs. Additionally, Pakistan is believed to be playing a behind-the-scenes role in strengthening ties between Ankara and Dhaka.

This row also comes amid growing competition between Bangladesh and India in the textile sector, with bilateral trade between the two countries totaling USD 12.9 billion in 2023–24. As strategic tensions rise, India is expected to keep a close watch on Turkish activities and ideological influence in the region.