‘Seven sisters’ mentioned: Yunus highlights northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan ahead of Bangladesh govt change

Bangladesh no longer ‘submissive’, says Yunus in farewell speech as BNP set to take power

Outgoing interim adviser Muhammad Yunus delivered a landmark farewell address on Monday, ahead of the formation of Bangladesh’s new government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Yunus, whose 18-month interim tenure followed the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasised Bangladesh’s sovereignty and strategic economic potential, while sparking debate by referring to India’s northeastern states as the “Seven Sisters” alongside Nepal and Bhutan, notably without directly mentioning India.

In his address, Yunus outlined a vision for a sub-regional economic framework linking Bangladesh’s maritime access with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, stressing that the country’s open sea is “not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy.”

He highlighted the significant growth opportunities arising from regional connectivity and proposed that Bangladesh could serve as a central hub linking landlocked neighbours with global markets.

Yunus also reflected on his tenure, claiming that his administration restored three key pillars of the country’s foreign engagement: “sovereignty, national interests, and dignity.”

He asserted that Bangladesh was no longer “a country with a submissive foreign policy,” pointing to efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, implement approximately 130 new laws and amendments, and issue 600 executive orders, of which 84% have been implemented.

He further highlighted international port management agreements aimed at bringing Bangladeshi ports up to global operational standards, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness in trade.

His remarks, particularly the emphasis on the Seven Sisters, have raised eyebrows among analysts. Intelligence sources described the omission of India’s direct mention as a “deliberate strategic messaging” effort, designed to reframe the region’s political and economic identity and signal Bangladesh’s ambitions to international stakeholders.

Security and foreign policy experts note that Yunus’ rhetoric could influence perceptions of regional sovereignty while appealing to nationalist constituencies within Bangladesh.

During his farewell, Yunus expressed gratitude to the Bangladeshi armed forces for their support during the general elections and encouraged citizens to continue striving for a “just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh.” His tenure, analysts say, saw a deterioration in relations with India, particularly over minority rights and trade disputes, while ties with Pakistan improved, albeit without broad domestic consensus.

The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, secured 209 out of 297 seats in the parliamentary elections held on February 12, and is set to take office on Tuesday, marking a major political transition in Dhaka. Yunus’ parting words underscore his vision for a confident, economically strategic, and internationally engaged Bangladesh.