New Delhi: Facing mounting criticism at home, Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus used his farewell address to project a firm foreign policy stance, asserting that the country had restored its sovereignty and was no longer influenced by external directives.
Yunus, who led the interim administration during a turbulent period following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, described his 18 month tenure as a phase of reform and renewed national confidence. His remarks came amid continued scrutiny over the government’s handling of communal tensions and concerns raised by minority communities, particularly Hindus, after the July 2024 uprising.
In a speech marked by strong nationalist undertones, Yunus outlined a broader regional economic vision involving Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern states, commonly known as the Seven Sisters. He highlighted Bangladesh’s maritime access and ports as potential gateways for regional trade and manufacturing, suggesting deeper economic integration across the subcontinent. The framing was widely interpreted as carrying implications for New Delhi, especially given India’s longstanding investments in connectivity projects aimed at integrating its northeast through Bangladeshi territory.
Yunus also underscored what he described as a policy of strategic balance, pointing to expanded engagement with China, Japan, the United States and Europe. He referenced progress on Chinese backed initiatives, including the Teesta River project near the strategically sensitive Siliguri corridor, as well as plans for a large international hospital in Nilphamari.
Further remarks on military modernisation added to the assertive tone, with Yunus stating that Bangladesh had begun strengthening its armed forces to deter any aggression. While the statement lacked specifics, it reinforced his emphasis on sovereignty and independent decision making.
Notably absent from the address was a detailed acknowledgement of domestic challenges, including allegations of slow responses to attacks on minority communities. As Yunus steps down, his closing message focused on foreign policy repositioning and regional ambition, leaving unresolved debates over democratic restoration and internal stability.
