In his farewell address on Monday, Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, emphasized that his 18 months in power had restored the country’s sovereignty, national interests, and dignity.
He declared that Bangladesh was no longer a nation with a submissive foreign policy or one that relied on the instructions and advice of other countries. The remark was widely interpreted as a subtle critique of New Delhi, in light of the recent tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Yunus assumed the role of interim chief following the student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. His comments came ahead of the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who won the general elections nearly two years after the upheaval.
In his address, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh's open seas as a "strategic asset" that could unlock significant economic opportunities for the country. He stressed the vast potential for regional cooperation with neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and India's northeastern states—collectively known as the "Seven Sisters."
"Our open seas are not just borders—they are gateways to the global economy," Yunus stated. "With Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, this region offers immense economic potential. Through economic zones, trade agreements, and duty-free market access, we can establish Bangladesh as a global manufacturing hub."
His reference to the "Seven Sisters" without explicitly mentioning India has raised eyebrows, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to emphasize the region’s economic identity.
Yunus made a similar remark last year, stating that seven Indian states are landlocked by Bangladesh. "The seven states in eastern India, known as the 'Seven Sisters,' are entirely landlocked and have no direct access to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the sea for this entire region," he said during his visit to China.