The interim government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong relations with all countries while emphasizing that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ recent remarks on India’s northeastern states were made with honest intentions to promote regional connectivity.
“He made the statement with sincere intent. If different interpretations arise, we cannot prevent them,” said Dr Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser’s high representative for the Rohingya issue and other priorities, while speaking at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday.
During a recent business dialogue in Beijing, Prof Yunus pointed out that India’s northeastern states—often referred to as the “Seven Sisters”—are landlocked, with no direct access to the ocean. He highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic geographical position, describing it as the “guardian of the ocean” for the region.
“This creates enormous opportunities,” he said, encouraging Chinese investors to explore business prospects in Bangladesh. He also underscored Nepal and Bhutan’s abundant hydropower resources, which he suggested could be utilized for industrial development in the region.
Prof Yunus’ remarks sparked reactions from Indian leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who criticized the statement as “offensive, strongly condemnable, and provocative.” Sarma also referenced India’s strategic “Chicken’s Neck” corridor, highlighting concerns about regional security.
In response, Dr Rahman noted that Prof Yunus had made similar comments in 2012 and pointed out that former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had spoken in 2023 about integrating Bangladesh and Northeast India into an industrial value chain under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative. “We will not impose connectivity on anyone,” Dr. Rahman stated. “If accepted, it can benefit all. If not, there is nothing we can do.”
The government also confirmed that the chief adviser is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April in Bangkok on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. This will mark their first in-person meeting, underscoring efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
Addressing concerns about Bangladesh’s diplomatic balance, Dr Rahman dismissed notions of strained ties between Bangladesh and India following Yunus’ recent visit to China. “It’s not a zero-sum game,” he stated, reinforcing that Bangladesh's foreign policy prioritizes mutual benefits and regional connectivity.
