Muhammad Yunus in his farewell speech spotlighted importance of Northeast India for Bangladesh
By TRH World Desk
New Delhi, February 17, 2026 — Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus bid farewell in a televised address to the nation ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of BNP chief Tarique Rehman. He summed up his legacy, saying that Bangladesh has asserted an autonomy in its foreign policy.
In his farewell speech, Yunus once more spoke of India’s seven Northeastern states. This time, Yunus struck a positive note. He said that Bangladesh can tap vast economic opportunities with the seven Northeastern states of India.
In 2025, Yunus during his China visit had sent Bangladesh relations with India crashing by remarking that seven Northeastern states are land-locked. “Bangladesh is the guardian of the ocean,” Yunus had said. He had also counselled his Chinese hosts, saying that China can tap India’s seven Northeastern states’ economic opportunities by accessing the regions through Bangladesh.
But Yunus on Tuesday, as he braced to hand over power to Rehman after 557 days at the helm in Dhaka, sought to repair the bond with India. He stressed on Bangladesh linking up with seven Northeastern states of India, as well as Nepal and Bhutan.
Listing that Rohingya crisis remains a drain on Bangladesh, Yunus also counted on foreign policy gains of Dhaka during his administration. He emphasised autonomy in the foreign policy. “Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy,” said Yunus, adding that Dhaka is “not dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries.” This statement may be seen as an indictment of Sheikh Hasina-led regime for its India ties.
Yunus also stressed on sovereignty, dignity, and national interests as the hallmark of foreign policy during his tenure. He also emphasised Bangladesh’s advantage for sea-bound international trades.
While Yunus claimed that Bangladesh asserted autonomy in foreign policy, his critics slam him for a Pakistan tilt and harming relations with India. In his 18 months at the helm of Bangladesh, Yunus couldn’t visit New Delhi. Also, Bangladesh linkage with Nepal and Bhutan faced hurdles after Yunus accorded importance to China and Pakistan in his foreign policy outlook.
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