On Monday, Muhammad Yunus, during his announcement of stepping down as the head of the Bangladesh government, mentioned India's northeastern 'Seven Sisters' states along with Nepal and Bhutan as part of a sub-regional economic vision in his farewell speech. This statement is expected to attract attention in New Delhi, especially given the already tense relations between India and Bangladesh.
In a broadcasted address the day before his resignation, Yunus stated that during his 18-month leadership, Bangladesh's foreign policy reinstated three fundamental principles: sovereignty, national interest, and dignity. He proclaimed that the nation was "no longer submissive" or influenced by the directives of other countries.
Yunus stated that the open sea serves not just as a geographical limit but as a gateway for Bangladesh to interact with the global economy. He highlighted the significant economic potential of this area, which includes Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, referring to India's northeastern states without explicitly mentioning India.
He suggested enhancing sub-regional economic collaboration focused on connectivity, trade deals, economic zones, and maritime access via Bangladesh.
By categorizing the northeastern states of India, which are an essential part of the country, with independent nations, Yunus seemed to obscure recognized political borders. This action could be seen as an effort to challenge New Delhi and influence the renewal of India-Bangladesh relations under the newly elected administration.
Yunus delivered the farewell speech amid domestic criticism regarding his interim administration's management of minority protection, democratic transition, and international relations.
His administration assumed control in August 2024 following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina-led government and is now transferring authority to a newly elected government headed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Led by Tarique Rahman, the BNP secured 209 out of 297 seats in the parliamentary elections held on February 12 and is poised to establish the next government on Tuesday.
Yunus emphasized a strong nationalist approach, stating that his administration has reconstructed the core aspects of Bangladesh's foreign relations and followed a strategy of strategic equilibrium. He pointed out the strengthened relationships with various international partners, including China, Japan, the United States, and Europe, and mentioned advancements in Chinese-supported projects like the Teesta River initiative and a significant hospital project in Nilphamari.
He also discussed military modernization, stating that Bangladesh has started enhancing its armed forces to deter 'any aggression,' without identifying particular threats.
Regarding governance, Yunus mentioned that his administration established approximately 130 new laws, revised several others, and issued around 600 executive orders, with about 84% already put into effect. He justified the agreements with international port management firms, despite opposition from labor groups, by emphasizing that enhanced efficiency is crucial for economic development.
During his leadership, the relationship with India significantly deteriorated, as New Delhi frequently expressed worries about assaults on minorities, particularly Hindus, and general law-and-order challenges. Numerous analysts contend that these political tensions affected economic relations, hindering advancements in trade facilitation and connectivity.
In his final comments, Yunus urged citizens to persist in their efforts for a 'just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh,' expressing optimism as he departed from his position. Earlier, he had discussions with senior bureaucrats and received a farewell visit from Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, whom he thanked for the military's support during the elections.