Bangladesh’s Yunus asks for China's ‘extension’ eyeing northeast India
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New Delhi: Bangladesh's interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus urged Chinese government to make an ‘extension’ because seven states in the eastern part of India are ‘completely landlocked’.
A video circulating on social media showed Muhammad Yunus issuing what NDTV reported ‘veiled threat’ to India’s northeastern states, causing outrage.
During his four-day visit to Beijing last week, Yunus was seen urging China to establish a base in Bangladesh.
‘The seven states of India, in the eastern part of India - called the seven sister states are completely landlocked. They have no way to reach the ocean. We (Bangladesh) are the only guardian of the ocean for the entire region (northeast India),’ Yunus is seen saying in the video.
Yunus, who became the Chief Adviser of the Interim government of Bangladesh since 8 August 2024 following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, reportedly said in the video that the ‘extension’ could open up ‘a huge possibility for China’ adding that ‘this could become an extension of the Chinese economy. Build things, market them, take them back to China, or export to the rest of the world.’
During his discussion with President Xi jinping,Yunus thanked Chinese President for agreeing to enhance maritime cooperation with Dhaka.
It is reported that the two countries signed an agreement facilitating Chinese companies to ‘participate in modernisation and expansion of Bangladesh's Mongla Port’ alongside agreeing to develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.
Responding to Yunus’ remarks on seven Indian states, PM Modi's economic advisory council member, Sanjeev Sanyal asked ‘China is welcome to invest in Bangladesh, but what exactly is the significance of 7 Indian states being landlocked?’