Dhaka: In a politically charged farewell address, outgoing interim adviser Muhammad Yunus stirred strategic debate by repeatedly invoking the “Seven Sisters” — a reference to India’s northeastern states — without directly mentioning India.
The remarks came just days before a new government, led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to assume power.
“Open Sea Is Our Door to the World”
In his final national address, Yunus proposed a sub-regional economic framework linking Bangladesh’s maritime access with Nepal, Bhutan and the “Seven Sisters.”
“Our open sea is not only a geographical boundary, it is an open door to engage with the world economy for Bangladesh. This region along with Nepal, Bhutan and Seven Sisters has great economic potential,” Yunus said.
However, his deliberate avoidance of naming India while referencing its northeastern states has drawn attention in diplomatic circles. Analysts view the phrasing as calculated messaging, potentially aimed at redefining the economic and political identity of the region.
Strategic Signalling to New Delhi?
By presenting Bangladesh as a maritime gateway for Nepal, Bhutan and India’s landlocked northeastern region, Yunus appeared to position Dhaka as a central economic hub in South Asia.
This framing could attract scrutiny in New Delhi. India has invested significantly in connectivity and infrastructure projects through Bangladesh to better integrate its northeast with the rest of the country. Yunus’ speech seemed to suggest that economic access for the region could depend increasingly on Bangladesh’s strategic choices.
The reference to the “Seven Sisters” — commonly used to describe Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura — without explicitly acknowledging India, has been interpreted by observers as a subtle geopolitical signal.
Silence on Domestic Criticism
While focusing on regional economic vision, Yunus did not directly address criticism faced by his interim administration during its 18-month tenure. His government had come under pressure over alleged delays in restoring full democratic normalcy and concerns regarding the safety of vulnerable minorities.
There was no specific reference to anxieties among Hindu citizens or other minority communities during periods of political instability. Instead, Yunus framed his tenure as one of reform and recovery, highlighting external partnerships and future economic cooperation.
Power Shift Ahead
With Tarique Rahman set to lead the new government, attention will now shift to how Bangladesh recalibrates its domestic priorities and foreign policy approach — particularly its relationship with India.
