Move to provoke India during farewell speech; Muhammad Yunus' remarks spark debate

DHAKA: Muhammad Yunus made a provocative remark in his farewell speech as the head of the interim government in Bangladesh. Yunus made the remark by including India's northeastern states with Nepal and Bhutan.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus ruled Bangladesh for 18 months. The interim government came to power after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 as a result of anti-government protests. Yunus asserted that Bangladesh had reclaimed its sovereignty, independence and dignity in foreign policy during his tenure.

Muhammad Yunus said that Bangladesh's coastline is the gateway to the world economy and that this region, which includes Nepal, Bhutan and the 'Seven Sisters' (a term used to refer to the northeastern states of India), has great economic potential.

Muhammad Yunus made a move to provoke India by including the northeastern states, which are an integral part of India, with sovereign countries. Muhammad Yunus stated that cooperation with China has been strengthened and there is great progress in projects such as the Teesta River Project and the 1,000-bed international hospital in Nilphamari.

Bangladesh interim government chief advisor Md Yunus once again rakes up India's "Seven Sisters" in his last address to the nation ahead of new govt formation tomorrow

"Our open sea is not only a geographical boundary, it is an open door to engage with the world economy for… pic.twitter.com/bEYQWCdVqi

— Indrajit Kundu | ইন্দ্রজিৎ (@iindrojit) February 16, 2026