In his farewell address, interim government chief Muhammad Yunus said that his 18-month tenure had restored Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interests, and dignity. He asserted that the country no longer pursued a submissive foreign policy or depended on instructions from other nations, comments widely interpreted as a subtle reference to tensions with India and policymakers in New Delhi.
Yunus came to power after the 2024 uprising that led to the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. His remarks were delivered ahead of the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman, whose Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured victory in the general elections.
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During the speech, Yunus also described Bangladesh’s open seas as a strategic asset capable of transforming the nation into a manufacturing and trade hub. He emphasised the importance of regional economic cooperation involving Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters,” noting that enhanced connectivity, trade agreements, and economic zones could unlock significant opportunities for the wider region.
