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'Greater Bangladesh' rumor: India's Foreign Minister's Remarks in Light of BanglaFact and Bangladeshi Media
৩ আগস্ট ২০২৫
The controversy surrounding the so-called “Greater Bangladesh” map circulated by segments of the Indian media has recently reached the Indian Parliament. In response, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar cited an investigative report by BanglaFact during a parliamentary session.
In Bangladesh, several media outlets including Jugantor, The Daily Ittefaq, Jaijaidin, Inqilab, The Business Standard, and Somoy TV reported on the issue. However, their coverage largely close to what had already been published in the Indian media. Despite Dr. Jaishankar’s direct reference to BanglaFact’s findings, most Bangladeshi outlets limited their reports to reproducing his statement, without undertaking any independent investigation or providing original insights into the matter.
On 31st July, during a session of the ‘Rajya Sabha’, Congress Member of Parliament Randeep Singh Surjewala raised a question related to the issue. In a written response, Foreign Minister Jaishankar stated, "The government is aware that an Islamist group based in Dhaka called ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla,’ allegedly backed by a Turkish NGO named the ‘Turkish Youth Federation,’ has circulated a so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map that includes parts of India. This map was reportedly displayed at the University of Dhaka.”
He further added “BanglaFact, a fact-checking platform run by the Government of Bangladesh, has stated that there is no evidence of the existence of any organization named ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla.’ According to their investigation, the map in question was part of a historical exhibition featuring maps from the era of the ancient Bengal Sultanate. The exhibition was organized at the University of Dhaka on April 14, 2025, in celebration of the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh). The organizers clarified that they have no affiliations with any foreign political organizations.”
Jaishankar emphasized, “The Government of India always prioritizes national interest in matters concerning its relationship with Bangladesh. Any incident that may have implications for India’s national security is closely monitored, and necessary measures are taken to ensure national safety.”
Starting in mid-May this year, rumors began circulating in mainstream Indian media alleging that a Turkey-backed NGO was supporting a group called “Saltanat-e-Bangla” in Bangladesh to promote a “Greater Bangladesh” agenda. On May 20, BanglaFact published a detailed investigation refuting the claim, stating that no such organization exists.
In reality, on April 14, 2025, the Center for Bengal Studies (CBS), a Dhaka-based research organization, hosted an exhibition titled “Bhalo Kajer Halkhata” at the Teacher-Student Centre of the University of Dhaka. As part of the event, a historical map from the Bengal Sultanate period was displayed. The map was presented strictly within a historical context not as a political claim to a “Greater Bangladesh.” CBS is not an NGO and has no affiliation with any Turkish or foreign organization.
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বিশ্লেষণ
'Greater Bangladesh' rumor: India's Foreign Minister's Remarks in Light of BanglaFact and Bangladeshi Media
৩ আগস্ট ২০২৫
The controversy surrounding the so-called “Greater Bangladesh” map circulated by segments of the Indian media has recently reached the Indian Parliament. In response, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar cited an investigative report by BanglaFact during a parliamentary session.
In Bangladesh, several media outlets including Jugantor, The Daily Ittefaq, Jaijaidin, Inqilab, The Business Standard, and Somoy TV reported on the issue. However, their coverage largely close to what had already been published in the Indian media. Despite Dr. Jaishankar’s direct reference to BanglaFact’s findings, most Bangladeshi outlets limited their reports to reproducing his statement, without undertaking any independent investigation or providing original insights into the matter.
On 31st July, during a session of the ‘Rajya Sabha’, Congress Member of Parliament Randeep Singh Surjewala raised a question related to the issue. In a written response, Foreign Minister Jaishankar stated, "The government is aware that an Islamist group based in Dhaka called ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla,’ allegedly backed by a Turkish NGO named the ‘Turkish Youth Federation,’ has circulated a so-called ‘Greater Bangladesh’ map that includes parts of India. This map was reportedly displayed at the University of Dhaka.”
He further added “BanglaFact, a fact-checking platform run by the Government of Bangladesh, has stated that there is no evidence of the existence of any organization named ‘Saltanat-e-Bangla.’ According to their investigation, the map in question was part of a historical exhibition featuring maps from the era of the ancient Bengal Sultanate. The exhibition was organized at the University of Dhaka on April 14, 2025, in celebration of the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh). The organizers clarified that they have no affiliations with any foreign political organizations.”
Jaishankar emphasized, “The Government of India always prioritizes national interest in matters concerning its relationship with Bangladesh. Any incident that may have implications for India’s national security is closely monitored, and necessary measures are taken to ensure national safety.”
Starting in mid-May this year, rumors began circulating in mainstream Indian media alleging that a Turkey-backed NGO was supporting a group called “Saltanat-e-Bangla” in Bangladesh to promote a “Greater Bangladesh” agenda. On May 20, BanglaFact published a detailed investigation refuting the claim, stating that no such organization exists.
In reality, on April 14, 2025, the Center for Bengal Studies (CBS), a Dhaka-based research organization, hosted an exhibition titled “Bhalo Kajer Halkhata” at the Teacher-Student Centre of the University of Dhaka. As part of the event, a historical map from the Bengal Sultanate period was displayed. The map was presented strictly within a historical context not as a political claim to a “Greater Bangladesh.” CBS is not an NGO and has no affiliation with any Turkish or foreign organization.