Muhammad Yunus, Interim Bangladesh leader, has ignited a wave of controversy following his recent visit to China, where he made remarks concerning India’s northeastern states and Bangladesh’s role in the region. During his four-day trip to Beijing, Yunus met with President Xi Jinping and signed nine agreements, securing $2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from the Chinese government and its companies. However, his comments regarding regional economic dynamics have drawn sharp criticism.
Yunus’s remarks, made during a public event, centered on his assertion that Bangladesh is the “only guardian of the ocean” for the region, particularly for India’s “Seven Sisters,” the landlocked northeastern states. He suggested that China should “extend” its economy into the region, utilizing Bangladesh as a maritime gateway.
“The seven states of India…eastern part of India — are called the Seven Sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean for this region. So, this opens up a huge possibility. So this could be an extension of the Chinese economy,” he stated.
These statements have been interpreted by some as an attempt to assert undue influence over India’s northeastern region, and have caused concern about the implications for regional stability. The comments have also raised questions about the potential for increased Chinese economic involvement in the area and how that could affect the geopolitical situation.
The $2.1 billion in agreements signed during the visit have also drawn attention, highlighting the growing economic ties between Bangladesh and China. The agreements cover various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and trade.
Yunus’s comments have sparked debate about regional sovereignty, economic cooperation, and the delicate balance of power in South Asia.
