Bangladesh Political Aide Sparks Controversy Over Facebook Post Advocating Annexation of Indian Territories
Mahfuj Alam, special aide to Dr. Muhammad Yunus and advisor to the Interim Government, triggered regional tensions on Tuesday morning with a controversial Facebook post suggesting the annexation of India’s eastern and northeastern territories.
In the post, Alam accused India of pursuing a “contain and ghettoize” policy towards Bangladesh. He pointed to pivotal historical events, including the 1975 coup that resulted in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 2024 mass protests, as moments aimed at liberating Bangladesh from Indian “reliance” and “hegemony.”
Alam stated that Bangladesh, to achieve true independence, must “come out of its cage” and expand geographically. He claimed this was the beginning of a broader movement, adding that their efforts have “just begun.”
Notably, Mahfuj Alam was introduced by Dr. Yunus at a Clinton Global Initiative event in September as the “mastermind” behind the protests leading to Bangladesh’s leadership changeover on August 5.
In his statement, Alam criticized Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—revered as Bangladesh’s founding leader—as a mere “general leader like others” who rebelled against Pakistan. He further remarked that Bangladesh’s sacrifices and deaths culminated in the “success of the July 2024 movement,” which, according to him, marks only the start of their long-term objectives.
Alam’s post, along with a map visualizing territorial claims, has raised serious concerns about regional stability and security in the Indian subcontinent, drawing attention to ongoing political tensions between Bangladesh and its larger neighbor, India.