Islamist Group ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ In Dhaka, Backed By Turkish NGO, Put Out 'Greater Bangladesh' Map Including Parts Of India: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the government has taken note of an Islamist group, ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ in Dhaka, backed by the Turkish NGO 'Turkish Youth Federation', that has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India.

This map was displayed at Dhaka University, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (26 July).

In a written reply to question from Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, Jaishankar said that India is closely monitoring the developments and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect national security.

"The Government has taken note of reports that an Islamist group in Dhaka called the ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’, backed by a Turkish NGO called the ‘Turkish Youth Federation’, has put out a map of the so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ that includes parts of India. The map was displayed in the Dhaka University," Jaishankar stated.

However, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a fact-checking platform affiliated with the Bangladesh government—‘BanglaFact’—has claimed there is no evidence of ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla’ operating in Bangladesh.

"It further clarified that the ‘map’ was displayed at a historical exhibition in reference to the so-called earlier Bengal Sultanate. The exhibition was held at Dhaka University on the occasion of Pohela Boisakh on April 14, 2025. The organizers of the exhibition, however, denied connections with any foreign political entity," the minister said.

Surjewala had questioned the Centre on whether it had diplomatically raised concerns with Bangladesh regarding the event and whether there had been an assessment of the implications of increased Turkish and Pakistani involvement in Bangladesh’s domestic landscape.

Jaishankar reiterated that the Indian government continues to assess any developments with cross-border security implications and remains vigilant against foreign-sponsored propaganda.

"India remains focused in regard to Bangladesh on matters of national interest. The Government of India closely monitors all developments that have implications for India’s national security and continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard it," Jaishankar said.

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