Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Bangladesh Advisor's Book Gift Sparks Online Row Over Map
Imagine a leader in Bangladesh gave a book to a visitor from Pakistan.
The book had a picture on its cover.
Some people online saw the picture and thought it looked like a map showing parts of India belonging to Bangladesh, which made them upset.
Other people said it wasn't a map at all, but maybe a picture of Bangladesh's flag or just art that looked a bit like a map.
Bangladesh's government hadn't officially said anything about this online argument.
This happened before, when other gifts or posts from Bangladesh caused similar issues with India over maps.
Leaders in India had previously asked Bangladesh to be careful with their words and actions regarding territory.
Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus gifted a book titled 'Art of Triumph, Graffiti of Bangladesh's New Dawn' to Pakistan's General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.
An image on the book's cover has caused an online dispute, with some claiming it is a map showing parts of India as Bangladesh.
Others argue the cover image is a painting of Bangladesh's national flag or distorted artwork, not a map.
Bangladesh has not officially commented on the online row regarding the gift.
This incident echoes past diplomatic concerns raised by India over similar map-related issues involving Bangladeshi officials.
- Who
- Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan's CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
- What
- A gift of a book by Yunus to Mirza has sparked an online controversy, with critics claiming the book's cover features a map incorrectly showing parts of India as Bangladesh, while others suggest it's a distorted flag or artwork.
- When
- Saturday, October 27, 2025, with the controversy emerging subsequently online.
- Where
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Why
- The controversy stems from differing interpretations of an image on the book cover, which some allege is a map infringing on Indian territory, echoing previous diplomatic concerns between India and Bangladesh.
Online Critics
Book's Defenders/Official Statements
Nature of the Cover Image
Online Critics
Claimed the image on the book's cover is a map inaccurately depicting parts of India as belonging to Bangladesh.
Book's Defenders/Official Statements
Contended the image is a painting of Bangladesh's national flag, not a map, or that it was a distorted map due to artwork.
Government's Official Stance on the Row
Online Critics
While not directly addressing the map controversy, the government's prior statements in similar situations have led to it being perceived as downplaying or denying inaccuracies.
Book's Defenders/Official Statements
The Chief Adviser's office issued a statement detailing the meeting's agenda focusing on bilateral relations, but did not directly comment on the online row regarding the gift.
- Event
- Online controversy over a book gifted by Bangladesh's Chief Advisor
- Key Figures
- Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh Chief Advisor), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (Pakistan's CJCSC)
- Gifted Item
- Coffee table book titled 'Art of Triumph, Graffiti of Bangladesh's New Dawn'
- Controversial Element
- Image on the book cover resembling a map of Bangladesh that allegedly includes parts of India.
- Meeting Location
- State Guest House Jamuna, Dhaka
- Meeting Date
- Saturday, October 27, 2025
- Previous Incidents
- India's protests in December 2024 and earlier this year over similar map-related issues involving interim administration members and Yunus.
Sources
'False, Fabricated': Bangladesh Rejects Reports Of Yunus Showing Map Including India's Northeast
Map Or Flag? Why Bangladesh's Gift To Pakistan Is Stirring Anger In India
Congress questions govt’s silence after Yunus gifts map to Pak general that shows northeastern states as part of Bangladesh
