Under pressure from domestic criticism for his government's failure to ensure a return to democratic normalcy and protect vulnerable minorities, Bangladesh's outgoing Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, in his farewell speech, chose to display defiance abroad, particularly through his indirect yet provocative comments about India's northeastern region.
Yunus led the caretaker government under immense internal pressure due to the years of authoritarian rule by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise in law and order incidents, especially against the Hindu minority, following the July 2024 uprising in the Islamic state.
In his speech, delivered at a politically sensitive moment, Yunus leant heavily on nationalist rhetoric, repeatedly asserting that Bangladesh had reclaimed its "sovereignty, dignity, and independence" in foreign policy and was "no longer guided by others' directives."
While framed as a general principle, the language was widely read as directed at New Delhi, Dhaka's largest and most influential neighbour, especially given the regional references that followed. He spoke of future economic integration involving Nepal, Bhutan, and the "Seven Sisters"—a term often used to refer to India's northeastern states.
"Our open seas are not just borders— they are gateways to the global economy. With Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters, this region has immense economic potential. Economic zones, trade agreements, and duty-free market access can establish us as a global manufacturing hub," he said.
By grouping India's northeastern states — an integral part of India — alongside sovereign countries in a single economic vision, Yunus appeared to blur established political boundaries. This could be perceived as an attempt to provoke New Delhi and affect the reset of India-Bangladesh ties under the newly elected government.
These comments appear to point to a regional economic space that revolves around Bangladesh’s ports and access to the sea, which would place Dhaka not only as a gateway for the surrounding countries but also for India’s Northeast.
This is bound to raise some eyebrows in New Delhi. For years, India has invested heavily in connectivity projects through Bangladesh to integrate its northeast with the rest of the country. Yunus's speech tried to invert that narrative, implying that access and opportunity for the region would increasingly depend on Bangladesh's strategic choices rather than Indian planning alone.
Bangladesh's outgoing leader's tone grew sharper as he emphasised "strategic balance" and highlighted deepening ties with China, Japan, the United States, and Europe. He cited progress on Chinese-supported projects, including the Teesta River initiative— located close to India's strategically important Siliguri corridor — projects that India has historically viewed with caution.
"We have also deepened cooperation with China. Significant progress has been made on the Teesta River project and a 1,000-bed international hospital in Nilphamari," Yunus said.
Rather than reassuring regional partners, he appeared intent on signalling that Bangladesh would no longer prioritise sensitivities associated with Indian security concerns.
His reference to military modernisation further added to the unease. Yunus began by saying that Bangladesh had started to "strengthen its military to counter any aggression," which, while being quite general, had a hard tone when considered in the context of his overall narrative of sovereignty.
What was most interesting, however, was what Yunus did not say. He told the story of his 18 months in office as one of reform and redemption. There was no reflection on the interim government's mixed response to communal violence, no acknowledgment of failings in the protection of minorities, and no recognition of the fears of the Hindu minority who had looked to the state for reassurance during a time of turmoil.
"In foreign policy, we have firmly restored Bangladesh's sovereignty, national interest, and dignity. Bangladesh is no longer submissive or guided by others' directives. Today's Bangladesh is confident, proactive, and responsible. We are committed to building relations based on mutual respect and interest while maintaining strategic balance," Yunus said, amidst criticism of his foreign policy's anti-India posture and pro-Pakistan tilt.
Yunus began by saying that Bangladesh had started to "strengthen its military to counter any aggression," which, while being quite general, had a hard tone when considered in the context of his overall narrative of sovereignty.
What was most interesting, however, was what Yunus did not say. He told the story of his 18 months in office as one of reform and redemption. There was no reflection on the interim government's mixed response to communal violence, no acknowledgment of failings in the protection of minorities, and no recognition of the fears of the Hindu minority who had looked to the state for reassurance during a time of turmoil.
As Yunus exits office, his farewell address reads less like a unifying closing chapter and more like a defensive political statement shaped by pressure and criticism at home. By sidestepping unresolved domestic failures, the Nobel laureate leaves behind a legacy marked by unanswered questions— about democracy, minority protection, and the wisdom of introducing geopolitical provocation at a time when Bangladesh's internal cohesion remains fragile.
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