Dhaka: Following interim government chief advisor Mohammad Yunus’s suggestive remarks about India’s Seven Sisters during a recent China visit, a former senior Bangladeshi military officer has escalated tensions with a provocative threat. Alam Fazlur Rahman, ex-Director General of Bangladesh Rifles and current chair of an independent inquiry commission, posted on social media, “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should seize India’s seven northeastern states. Discussions with China are necessary.” A close aide of Yunus, Rahman’s incendiary statement has sparked fears of strained India-Bangladesh relations, particularly amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam attack.

The post triggered an immediate response from the Yunus administration, which sought to distance itself from Rahman’s remarks. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam issued a statement, saying, “The Bangladesh government does not endorse or support such comments in any way.” Despite this, the statement has already ignited a firestorm on social media, fueling debates about its implications. Analysts warn that Rahman’s remarks could further complicate the already delicate diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, especially at a time when regional stability is under strain due to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.

Rahman’s outburst also sheds light on Bangladesh’s internal political dynamics, exposing potential fissures within the interim government’s control. His call for collaboration with China reflects Bangladesh’s growing alignment with Beijing, which has strained relations with India in recent years. Experts caution that such provocative rhetoric risks destabilizing South Asia. “These statements could undermine regional peace at a critical juncture,” noted a Dhaka-based geopolitical analyst. The Seven Sisters—India’s northeastern states—are a sensitive geopolitical region, and any perceived threat could have far-reaching consequences.

While India has yet to respond officially, diplomatic circles are abuzz with concern over Rahman’s comments. The statement adds a new layer of complexity to the triangular dynamics between India, Bangladesh, and China, raising questions about the interim government’s ability to rein in influential figures. As tensions simmer, this controversy underscores the fragility of regional harmony, with the potential to escalate into a broader diplomatic crisis if not addressed promptly.