Greater Bangladesh map: Is Erdogan fuelling anti-India narratives?

Turkey is stealing Indian states and handing them over to Bangladesh? Sounds wild, right? But in May 2025, maps went viral online. These showed West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and even parts of Myanmar merged into something called a ‘Greater Bangladesh.’

These weren’t just floating on the internet. Some were reportedly spotted in university halls in Dhaka. And behind them? An NGO called Saltanat-e-Bangla — allegedly linked to Turkey.

Bangladesh denies, but timing raises eyebrows

Bangladesh’s government denies any involvement. No territorial ambitions. No expansion plans. But the timing? Super sensitive.

Just days earlier, India launched Operation Sindoor — a major military strike after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Indian forces hit terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Tensions were already high. And then this “Greater Bangladesh” map surfaces. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.

Turkey’s growing footprint in South Asia

Here’s where Turkey enters the frame. President Erdogan has often criticised India — especially over Kashmir. Turkey backs Pakistan diplomatically. And now, reports say it’s expanding soft power in Bangladesh — through NGOs, Islamic schools, and cultural investments.

Meanwhile, India-Turkey ties have taken a hit. New Delhi recently revoked security clearance for Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling company. Boycott calls against Turkish products and firms are gaining ground.

It’s about influence

Analysts say this isn’t only about cartography — it’s about narrative control. Ideological export. Perception warfare.

The idea of a "Greater Bangladesh" isn’t new either. It dates back to colonial times. A few fringe leaders in Bangladesh once floated such ideas. But they never entered mainstream discourse — not even within Bangladesh.

Old wounds reopen, and tensions simmer again

Still, provocative moves leave a scar. In December 2024, a Bangladeshi adviser posted a Facebook image showing Indian land as part of Bangladesh. It was deleted after protests, but not forgotten.

Now, with the Saltanat-e-Bangla controversy and Turkey’s alleged involvement, India’s security and political establishment is once again on high alert. Because when maps become weapons — silence isn’t an option.