Bangladeshi Ex-General Suggests Invasion of Northeast India If India Retaliates Against Pakistan for Pahalgam Attack

By A Staff Reporter

In a controversial and provocative statement, ALM Fazlur Rahman, a retired Bangladeshi major general and a close associate of Bangladesh’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, has suggested that Bangladesh should invade and occupy all seven northeastern states of India if New Delhi attacks Pakistan in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Rahman, who is also the chairperson of the National Independent Commission, posted his comments on Facebook, stating: “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh will have to occupy seven states of northeast India. In this regard, I feel it is necessary to start discussions on joint military arrangements with China.” His suggestion, which he described as necessary for Bangladesh's security, has been widely criticized and deemed reckless by political analysts.

This statement comes at a sensitive time, as India and Bangladesh were working to improve bilateral relations after several years of tension. Relations between the two countries had worsened after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India seeking asylum, as well as ongoing concerns in India regarding the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Rahman’s comments are also being viewed in the context of remarks made earlier this year by Yunus during his visit to China. Yunus had described India’s northeastern states as “landlocked” and highlighted Bangladesh’s potential role as a “guardian of the ocean.” He further suggested that this could create a significant opportunity for the Chinese economy in the region.

These remarks drew strong criticism from Indian leaders, particularly from the ruling BJP. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Yunus’s statement in April by reiterating India’s growing infrastructure and connectivity in its northeastern region, which is increasingly being integrated into the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) network.