A highly controversial statement by retired Major General ALM Fazlur Rahman, former Director General of Bangladesh Rifles, has triggered diplomatic alarm across South Asia. In a televised discussion aired by NTV Bangladesh on May 1 and later circulated via Facebook, Rahman openly suggested that Bangladesh should “seize the opportunity to occupy the 7 sisters” referring to India’s northeastern states in the event of an India-Pakistan war.
“If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should seize the opportunity to occupy the 7 sisters,” Rahman said. “I believe it’s necessary to initiate discussions with China for a joint military arrangement on this matter.”
Former General Mentions Pahalgam in Call for Broader Strategy
In a further escalation, Rahman also referenced Indian territory in the north, stating that “Indian troops have made Pahalgam a military base, it too should be taken back.” While it remains unclear what context he was referring to, the inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in his rhetoric adds another layer of provocation. Pahalgam is a well-known tourist destination and holds no officially recognized military status.
These remarks seem to be the product of Rahman’s individual strategic fantasy and not government policy, but their timing have caused eyebrows to be raised against the background of strained regional tensions. Official response from India is yet to come, but high-ranking military personnel have decried the statements as “reckless war-mongering.”
India’s Response: “Delusional and Dangerous”
A high-ranking Indian Army official, anonymously speaking, labeled Rahman’s comments “military fantasy bordering on delusion.” “Any such adventure will be countered with firm force. India’s territorial integrity is not negotiable,” the official claimed.
Domestic Blowback in Bangladesh
Back in Bangladesh, Rahman’s words have elicited divided reactions. While hard-line nationalist circles welcomed his utterance, the bulk of mainstream political commentators, ex-diplomats, and military officials distanced themselves. “Such words are risky and don’t represent our state policy or attitude,” said retired ambassador Humayun Kabir. “They can destabilize the goodwill earned after hard work by Dhaka and New Delhi.
Rahman’s hint towards a possible military alliance with China also brought strategic issues in Indian circles, especially in the wake of unsettled India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
