Bangla Desh ; Yunus’ ‘Seven Sisters’ remarks spark fresh debate

Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday after his party secured a majority in the general elections, marking the end of the 18-month interim administration led by Mohammad Yunus.

Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony comes at a politically sensitive time, with Dhaka’s ties with India having witnessed strain during the interim government’s tenure. In his farewell address, Yunus made fresh references to India’s northeastern states — often called the “Seven Sisters” — without naming India directly, reigniting debate over his foreign policy stance.

Yunus outlined a sub-regional economic framework linking Bangladesh’s coastal belt with Nepal, Bhutan and the seven northeastern Indian states. He described Bangladesh’s coastline along the Bay of Bengal as a gateway to global trade and said it held significant economic potential for the wider region.

“Our country will no longer be subservient. We have worked to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interest and dignity,” Yunus said in his address. He asserted that Dhaka would pursue an independent foreign policy rather than rely on “instructions or suggestions” from other nations.

The remarks have drawn attention given Yunus’ earlier comments in 2025 during a visit to China, where he had similarly spoken about leveraging Bangladesh’s coastal advantage for regional economic integration involving the northeastern region of India. His statements had then been criticised by Indian political leaders as provocative.

During his speech, Yunus also highlighted legislative reforms undertaken by the interim government, claiming that over 130 new laws were introduced and more than 600 executive orders issued, with the majority implemented. He stressed the need to enhance port efficiency in line with international standards to avoid economic setbacks.

India–Bangladesh relations had come under strain in recent months over concerns about attacks on minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh. New Delhi had expressed concern over incidents of violence during the interim period.

With Rahman now at the helm, observers will closely watch how the new government recalibrates Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi, Kathmandu and Thimphu, as well as its broader regional economic strategy.

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