Muhammad Yunus Gifts A Map With Indian Northeast Region In Bangladesh To Pakistan General

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, recently sparked diplomatic tension by presenting a controversial map to a Pakistani general. The map depicted Assam and other northeastern Indian states as part of Bangladesh. This incident occurred during a meeting with Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairperson, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, in Dhaka. The meeting marked a warming of relations between the two countries, historically strained since the 1971 Liberation War.

Yunus shared images from the meeting on social media, including one where he gifted a book titled 'Art of Triumph' to Mirza. The book's cover featured the contentious map, aligning with radical Islamist groups' calls for a "Greater Bangladesh." This post led to criticism on social media for Yunus's interference in India's sovereign matters. India's Ministry of External Affairs has yet to respond to this controversy.

Yunus's Controversial Statements

This isn't Yunus's first reference to India's northeast. In April, during his visit to China, he claimed that Bangladesh was the "only guardian of the ocean" for the region due to northeast India's landlocked status. He encouraged China to expand its influence there, suggesting economic benefits. "The seven states of India... they are a landlocked country. They have no way to reach out to the ocean," Yunus told Chinese officials.

India has faced challenges accessing its northeastern region via the 'Chicken's Neck' corridor in north Bengal. Over the past decade, New Delhi engaged with Dhaka on transit routes when Sheikh Hasina was in power. However, under Yunus's leadership, ties have soured as Bangladesh seeks closer relations with Pakistan and China.

Reactions from India

Yunus's remarks have caused outrage in India. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the strategic importance of India's northeast as a key connectivity hub for Bimstec-a group including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. In response to tensions, India canceled a transhipment agreement allowing Bangladeshi goods passage through Indian territory en route to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Tensions escalated further in May when Major General (retd) Fazlur Rahman suggested Bangladesh collaborate with China against India's northeastern states if Pakistan were attacked. This followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam by Pakistani terrorists that killed 26 people.

Past Provocations

In 2024, Nahidul Islam, another close aide of Yunus, proposed a "Greater Bangladesh" by sharing a map showing parts of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam as part of Bangladesh. The post faced widespread backlash and was later deleted. Despite these provocations from Bangladeshi leaders, Yunus has remained silent.

Experts suggest that Yunus's repeated references to India's northeast might be an attempt to manipulate regional dynamics amid growing ties with China and Pakistan.