Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus sparked fresh controversy on Tuesday after gifting Turkish officials a map of the country which included Indian territories. He had also given a similar depiction of ‘Greater Bangladesh’ to a Pakistani general last month. The Nobel Laureate has also invoked north-eastern India during a visit to China in April — championing Dhaka as the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region.
According to reports, Yunus had presented ‘Art of Triumph’ to a visiting Turkish delegation last week. The coffee table book includes a distorted map of Bangladesh that appears to consider the seven northeastern states part of its own territory. A source-based report by News18 suggested that the document also included “battle plans” and “post-victory management frameworks” for these states.
The presentation is being viewed by many as a deliberate choice — coming at a time when India has strained ties with both Turkey and Pakistan. The concept of a greater Bangladesh had first surfaced alongside this map in 2024. Close Yunus aide Nahidul Islam had floated the idea of an expanded territory that included parts of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam. The distorted map was later displayed at an exhibition within University of Dhaka in April 2025.
Bangladesh and Pakistan ties?
Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said that all three defence forces are monitoring developments in the region amid the growing relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“I want to assure you that all three defence forces and agencies are monitoring the situation and developments, and we are taking all necessary steps,” Vice Admiral Vatsayan said.
Last week, the Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, at the State Guest House Jamuna late on Saturday.