Mohammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, referred to the “Seven Sisters” during his farewell address to the nation following the completion of his 18-month tenure. Without naming India directly, he cited the northeastern states collectively known as the Seven Sisters while outlining Bangladesh’s regional strategy and foreign policy priorities.
In his televised address, Yunus described Bangladesh as a regional connectivity hub and emphasized a foreign policy posture centered on national self-reliance. He highlighted the country’s open access to the sea as a strategic gateway linking Bangladesh to the global economy and referred to economic potential involving Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters.
“Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary but a gateway connecting Bangladesh to the global economy. There is immense economic potential in this region with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Seven Sisters. We have entered into agreements with international-level management companies to enhance the efficiency of our ports. If their efficiency is not increased, the region may fall behind economically,” Yunus said.
He stated that Bangladesh had taken steps to improve port efficiency through agreements with international management companies, asserting that failure to enhance such efficiency could result in economic disadvantage for the region.
The Seven Sisters comprise Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are connected to mainland India through the Siliguri Corridor and are geographically distant from the sea. Yunus described Bangladesh as a maritime access point for these states, stating that access through the Bay of Bengal could link them to global trade.
In his address, Yunus also said that under his tenure Bangladesh’s foreign policy had been strengthened and that the country was no longer dependent on external direction. He stated that Bangladesh was capable of safeguarding its national interests, sovereignty, and dignity.
Yunus said that Bangladesh today is confident, active, and responsible, and that his administration had moved the country’s foreign policy away from reliance on others. He presented this approach as reflective of Bangladesh’s current political and economic direction.
