Bangladesh distances itself from ex-Army officer’s call to occupy India’s North East

Bangladesh’s interim government has distanced itself from remarks made by a retired Army officer suggesting that Dhaka should collaborate with China to occupy India’s northeastern states if New Delhi retaliates against Pakistan for the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, reported The Hindu.

In a Facebook post on April 29, Major General (Retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman wrote in Bengali: “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy the seven States of Northeastern India. I think it is necessary to start discussions with China on a joint military arrangement in this regard.”

Rahman, considered close to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, currently serves as chairperson of the National Independent Commission that was set up in December 2024 to investigate killings that took place during a 2009 mutiny by a section of the Bangladesh Rifles. He is also a former head of the paramilitary force, now known as Border Guard Bangladesh.

Rahman’s comments were widely criticised by Indian leaders and came at a time when Dhaka and New Delhi are navigating strained diplomatic ties.

In a statement issued on May 2, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The comments do not reflect the position or policies of the government of Bangladesh, and as such, the government neither endorses nor supports such...

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