In farewell address, Bangladesh Chief Advisor Yunus provokes India with reference to ‘seven sisters’

In his farewell address to the nation, Bangladesh Interim Government Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus has apparently attempted to provoke India by making a reference to ‘Seven Sisters’, 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.

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By grouping India’s northeastern states alongside sovereign nations, the outgoing Bangladeshi leader blurred the political boundaries amid already strained India-Bangladesh ties.

Without directly referring to India-Bangladesh ties under the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, Yunus said that his administration “restored Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interest, and dignity.”

“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,” he said.

Yunus on growing Bangladesh-China relations

Yunus also highlighted the growing ties between Bangladesh and China, mentioning the Teesta River project and an international hospital China is building in Nilphamari. “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,” he added.

He claimed to have rebuilt the “fundamental foundations” of Bangladesh’s external engagement and pursued a policy of strategic balance. Yunus also stressed the military modernisation efforts undertaken during his tenure, saying Bangladeshi armed forces have been strengthened to counter “any aggression”.

Speaking about the achievements of his administration, Yunus further stated that they brought around 130 new laws, amended several others, and issued about 600 executive orders. He said around 84 per cent of the orders have already been implemented.

Yunus, a known anti-India face in Bangladesh, was appointed as the Chief Advisor to the interim government following the ouster of PM Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Under his administration, violence against Hindus and other religious minorities saw a sharp rise. Bangladesh-India ties also deteriorated under Yunus’ tenure.