Yunus cites China, India’s Seven Sisters region
In his speech, Yunus stressed nationalism, claiming Bangladesh restored sovereignty, dignity, independence, and independent foreign policy direction.
Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, bowed out amid a storm of homegrown backlash. Critics hammered him for not fully rebooting democracy or shielding vulnerable minorities after Sheikh Hasina’s iron-fisted rule crumbled in the 2024 uprising. In his farewell speech, though, Yunus flipped the script, striking a defiant pose on the world stage—especially with pointed jabs at India’s northeast that felt like a deliberate prod.
Picture this: Yunus, the Nobel hero turned interim leader, painted a picture of Bangladesh reclaiming its “sovereignty, dignity, and independence.” No more dancing to others’ tunes, he declared. Everyone knew the “others” meant India, Dhaka’s big neighbor who’s long called the shots. Then came the kicker—he lumped Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s “Seven Sisters” (those northeastern states) into one dreamy economic bloc.
It was like inviting yourself to redraw your neighbor’s fence line. New Delhi’s poured billions into roads and rails through Bangladesh to link its landlocked northeast. Yunus spun it backward: Bangladesh’s ports as the real lifeline, with Dhaka holding the keys. Eyebrows shot up in India—classic provocation just as a new government takes over.
Then the China angle sharpened the edge. Yunus boasted of “strategic balance,” spotlighting Chinese-backed gems like the Teesta River project—right by India’s sensitive Siliguri Corridor—and a fancy hospital in Nilphamari. Projects India eyes warily, fearing encirclement. “We’ve deepened ties with China,” he grinned, shrugging off old Delhi anxieties.
Military talk added fuel: Bangladesh beefing up forces to “counter any aggression.” Vague? Sure. But paired with sovereignty swagger, it sounded like a warning shot.
What’s gut-wrenching, though, is what Yunus skipped. No mea culpa for the interim government’s fumbles on communal riots—temples trashed, Hindus targeted by emboldened radicals post-uprising. Rights groups screamed about slow policing and kid-glove treatment of extremists. Minorities begged for protection amid the chaos, but Yunus served up zero accountability. His 18 months? A shiny tale of reform, ignoring the blood and fear.
“No more submission. We’re confident, proactive—building ties on mutual respect and balance.” It rang hollow against accusations of an anti-India, pro-Pakistan tilt.
Yunus leaves as Tarique Rahman steps up as PM, but this speech feels like a bitter parting shot—a leader under fire at home, dodging mirrors to chase foreign applause. It’s like a captain abandoning a leaky ship by ranting about horizons ahead. Bangladesh’s real test? Healing divides, safeguarding all citizens, and ditching drama for stability. Unanswered questions linger: Can the new era deliver democracy without the provocations? Only time—and neighborly chats—will tell.