In a controversial statement, retired Bangladesh Major General ALM Fazlur Rahman has presented a strategy for a possible invasion of India’s northeastern states. He publicly said on Facebook that if India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh will need to take over the country’s seven northeastern states.
Rahman, who is a former Bangladesh Rifles chief, has also called for China’s assistance in implementing this strategy. His remarks come at a time when the two countries are trying to improve their diplomatic ties.
In recent months, similar comments have been made by other senior Bangladeshi leaders on India’s northeast region. In March, Mohammad Yunus also described the region as “seven sisters” and called Bangladesh the “sole guardian of the sea”.
The current diplomatic scenario is complex, especially as India-Pakistan relations are strained after the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has also warned India of possible military action.
This statement presents significant challenges to regional stability and diplomatic sensitivities.