Dhaka: Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, delivered an emotional farewell address to the nation as he stepped down from office, calling for deeper regional cooperation and economic integration across South Asia.
In his final speech, Yunus emphasized the vast economic potential of the eastern South Asian region, referring to Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s “Seven Sisters” — a term commonly used for the northeastern Indian states — as part of a broader vision for shared prosperity. Notably, he did not explicitly identify the Seven Sisters as Indian states, instead framing the region collectively in terms of geography and opportunity.
Focus on Regional Economic Integration
Yunus highlighted how countries and regions with shared borders, cultural ties, and economic complementarities could benefit from enhanced trade, connectivity, and sustainable development initiatives. He stressed that collaboration between Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the northeastern region of India could unlock new opportunities in:
According to Yunus, regional integration is not just an economic strategy but a pathway to long-term peace and stability.
Strategic Importance of the Eastern Corridor
The reference to the “Seven Sisters” — a group that includes Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh — underlined the strategic importance of India’s northeast in shaping future economic corridors. Bangladesh shares close geographical proximity with these states, making connectivity projects crucial for mutual growth.
Yunus noted that improved transport links, river connectivity, and energy-sharing agreements could transform the region into a dynamic economic hub bridging South Asia and Southeast Asia.
A Message of Cooperation
While his tenure as Chief Adviser comes to an end, Yunus’s farewell speech appeared to lay the groundwork for future diplomatic and economic engagement in the region. His remarks signaled a forward-looking approach that prioritizes collaboration over competition.