Yunus mentions 'Northeast' in speech as he bows out

On his last day as Bangladesh chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus on Monday claimed that the interim govt led by him has been able to firmly restore the country's sovereignty, national interests and dignity in foreign policy - an allusion to former PM Sheikh Hasina's proximity to India.

"Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries, today's Bangladesh is confident, active, and responsible in protecting its independent interests," said Yunus in a televised address to the nation, a day ahead of the interim govt handing over power to the new govt led by BNP's Tarique Rahman.Tarique, the son former premier Khaleda Zia, will take oath of office as Bangladesh's PM along with his cabinet members on Tuesday.In his around 25-minute speech, Yunus - who took charge of Bangladesh on Aug 8, 2024, as chief adviser - did not miss out on mentioning the "Northeast region". Bangladesh can provide huge potential for economic prosperity for the Northeast region, including India's "seven sister states, Nepal and Bhutan"."Through economic zones, trade agreements, and access to duty-free markets, a strong foundation will be established for this region to become a global manufacturing hub," he said. "Our open sea is not just a geographical boundary, it is an open door for Bangladesh to connect with the global economy," Yunus saidHis comments last year that India's "landlocked Northeast faced the prospect of becoming an extension of Chinese economy" had led to further straining of New Delhi-Dhaka ties, which had hit a low after Hasina's ouster as PM.

Before his address, Yunus on Monday participated in a brief farewell ceremony at his office, drawing the curtains on a tenure marked by anti-India posturing, rise of extremism, unabated attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, and instability. Yunus had little to say in his speech to officials, except for thanking then for their support.