Himanta Biswa Sharma, Chief Minister of Assam, India, has sparked controversy by claiming that Bangladesh has two narrow “chicken neck” corridors that pose serious security and economic risks. He warned that the regions of Rangpur and Chittagong could become isolated if these corridors are disrupted.

On Sunday (May 25), Sharma posted a map of Bangladesh on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the two corridors. The news was reported by India’s NDTV on Monday (May 26).

Sharma stated, “Those who often talk about India’s Siliguri corridor should remember that Bangladesh has two such corridors that are even more vulnerable.”

He identified the first as the “North Bangladesh corridor,” stretching from South Dinajpur in India to the Rangpur division and the southwestern Garo Hills in Bangladesh. The second, the “Chittagong corridor,” connects Dhaka with the port city of Chittagong and is vital for Bangladesh’s economy.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Siliguri corridor, Sharma emphasized the need to develop better rail and road connectivity to ensure that India’s Northeast remains connected to the mainland.