Yunus invokes India’s ‘seven sisters’, sovereignty reset in farewell speech as Dhaka turns a fresh political page

Outgoing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Monday invoked India’s northeastern “seven sister states” while asserting that his 18-month rule restored Bangladesh’s foreign-policy pillars of “sovereignty, national interests and dignity”, remarks that came as Dhaka prepares for a political transition after a period of strained ties with India.

In a televised farewell address a day before handing over power, Yunus said, “Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries, today's Bangladesh is confident, active, and responsible in protecting its independent interests.”

His comments were widely seen as an allusion to the perceived proximity between former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and New Delhi.


The transition follows the electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, whose leader Tarique Rahman, son of former premier Khaleda Zia, is set to be sworn in as prime minister on Tuesday along with his cabinet. Yunus had assumed charge as chief adviser on August 8, 2024.

Northeast, connectivity and maritime gateway

In his roughly 25-minute speech, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s geographic and economic relevance to the wider region, saying the country could unlock prosperity for India’s northeast, Nepal and Bhutan.

“Through economic zones, trade agreements, and access to duty-free markets, a strong foundation will be established for this region to become a global manufacturing hub,” he said.

Emphasising maritime connectivity, he added, “Our open sea is not just a geographical boundary, it is an open door for Bangladesh to connect with the global economy.”

His earlier remarks suggesting India’s landlocked northeast could risk becoming “an extension of Chinese economy” had further strained ties between New Delhi and Dhaka after Hasina’s ouster, underscoring the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the region and China’s expanding influence.

Tenure marked by tensions and transition

Yunus’ final day in office included a brief farewell ceremony with officials, closing a tenure characterised by anti-India posturing, instability, rising extremism and continued attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus.

Yunus offered limited remarks at the ceremony beyond thanking officials for their support.

With a new BNP-led government set to assume office, Bangladesh now faces the task of recalibrating relations with India while balancing broader regional and economic ambitions tied to connectivity, maritime access and great-power competition.

(With inputs from Times of India's Ahsan Tasnim)