What CA's high representative says on Yunus' remark about India's seven sisters
He [Yunus] made the statement with honest intentions, says Khalilur
Khalilur Rahman, high representative of the chief adviser on Rohingya and priority issues, addressed concerns raised in India regarding Muhammad Yunus' recent remarks in China about India's northeastern "seven sisters" states.
Speaking at a Foreign Service Academy press conference in Dhaka this evening (2 April), Khalilur Rahman clarified the comments, stating they were aimed at promoting regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
"He [Yunus] made the statement with honest intentions. If different interpretations are provided, we cannot prevent it," said the CA's high representative.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Asked about Bangladesh's position on several Indian leaders' reactions to the chief adviser's remarks, Khalilur Rahman said the chief adviser has not made this comment for the first time. "He made similar comments in 2012."
He also referred former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, who in 2023 had spoken of a vision of creating an industrial value chain connecting Bangladesh and Northeast India, which was known as "BIG-B" or the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt.
Khalilur went on to say, "Connectivity will open doors to possibilities in this region, especially for landlocked areas. However, we will not force connectivity. It's an offer for mutual benefit. If someone takes it, it's good; if not, we cannot compel them."
CHIEF ADVISER'S 'LANDLOCKED' REMARK: Why is India losing sleep over a well-accepted fact?
He stressed that regional cooperation is crucial for addressing economic instability and fostering development.
"The current international economic situation is challenging for all, especially small countries. Collective efforts increase the chances of resolving these issues," said the CA's high representative.
Addressing questions about Yunus' visit to China and possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khalilur Rahman said, "These are not 'zero-sum games.' We aim to maintain good relations with all countries. We will pursue opportunities for mutual benefit wherever they arise. We do not want to move forward by excluding anyone."
"He [Yunus] made the statement with honest intentions. If different interpretations are provided, we cannot prevent it"
Khalilur Rahman, high representative of the chief adviser on Rohingya and priority issues
He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to equitable regional development through enhanced connectivity.
During his recent China visit, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged China to extend its economy. He also urged the Chinese government to establish an economic base Bangladesh and insisted that Bangladesh was the "only guardians of the ocean" for the region.
"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…" Yunus said during an event last week.
The interaction's videos quickly went viral, fueling online discussions and raising concerns about the rationality of the stated correlation.
During his address, Yunus also pointed to the "unlimited hydropower" resources of Nepal and Bhutan as a key regional opportunity. He further emphasised Bangladesh's advantageous geographical position, noting its access to the ocean.
