The same controversial map, outlining a ‘Greater Bangladesh’ vision encompassing India’s northeastern states, particularly Assam, was previously shared with Nurul Izzah Anwar, vice president of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party, and representatives of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest these presentations were deliberate strategic signals, aimed at specific transnational Islamist networks that perceive Bangladesh’s interim leadership as a key component of broader strategic consolidation. The timing of these gestures is under intense scrutiny, coinciding with Turkey’s expanding influence across South and Southeast Asia through military cooperation, drone technology, and ideological partnerships. Turkey has notably strengthened its ties with Dhaka since early 2024, fostering training programs, defense collaborations, and technology investments, viewing Bangladesh as a strategic counterweight to India’s growing regional power.

For Bangladesh’s interim government, these burgeoning ties with Ankara offer crucial international legitimacy and new defense connections amid domestic uncertainty. Analysts view the ‘Greater Bangladesh’ reference as the first overt territorial assertion from Dhaka’s interim administration, potentially designed to gauge regional reactions and solidify support among Islamist factions both domestically and internationally. Indian security agencies are reportedly monitoring these developments with heightened attention, concerned about the potential for rhetorical escalation and increased tensions along a sensitive border region.

After Zubeen’s death, his family alleged that his death was not merely due to drowning and appealed to security agencies for a thorough investigation. The Assam government also initiated an inquiry, promising to bring those responsible for the death to justice. These arrests are part of the ongoing investigation.

After their arrest, the accused were brought to Guwahati and presented before the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court, where they were remanded to 14 days of police custody. Due to Durga Puja, the court was closed, and the hearing took place at the judge’s residence. Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta stated that the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death would be conducted “according to the law.” Munna Prasad, the head of the SIT formed to investigate Garg’s death, confirmed that both have been sent to 14 days of police custody. He also mentioned that an Interpol “lookout notice” had already been issued against them. Based on the notice, immigration officials detained Shyamkanu Mahanta upon his arrival at the Delhi airport from Singapore and handed him over to the Assam Police.

The Special DGP further added that Sharma’s location was tracked in Delhi and Rajasthan. He was arrested near the Delhi-Haryana border. Police have seized their mobile phones, including Zubeen Garg’s phone. Police sources shared images of Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma behind bars at the CID office. Tight security was present during the journey to the airport and the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s residence, with Assam Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) accompanying the convoy. Meanwhile, the state government has recently imposed a ban on Shyamkanu Mahanta, the chief organizer of the Northeast Festival, from organizing any events or programs in the state.

Zubeen Garg was in Singapore before his death to attend the festival. Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, who is in Jorhat for the singer’s 13th-day ceremony, expressed her satisfaction that both were brought to Assam, as they are all waiting to know what happened to him in his last moments. Garima Garg said she has full faith in the investigation team and hopes to know soon what exactly happened in Singapore. The Assam government had constituted a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) last month to investigate the singer’s death in Singapore on September 19 due to drowning.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier stated that a ‘lookout notice’ had been issued against Mahanta and Sharma through Interpol, asking them to appear before the CID by October 6.

The earthquake’s proximity to the Indian border caused tremors to be felt in several parts of India, including Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam, in addition to Myanmar. The earthquake occurred around 6:10 AM on Tuesday.