Desk:After the coup in Bangladesh, the interim government started opposing India on several issues and began strengthening ties with Pakistan. However, within a few days, the reality became evident, and Mohammad Yunus, a key figure in the Bangladeshi administration, also became disillusioned with Pakistan. Now, he is planning to improve Bangladesh’s economic condition by collaborating with India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, stated that he wants to create a joint economy with India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Interestingly, he did not mention Pakistan in any of his economic plans.
Pakistan’s economy is currently in deep crisis, resembling a drowning person who could pull others down with them. In such a scenario, Bangladesh does not want to include Pakistan in its economic strategy. Yunus emphasized that if these nations come together, it will be mutually beneficial. He also revealed that the process of economic collaboration has already begun. “We have a large population, which can be effectively utilized for economic growth,” Yunus added.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor, Touhid Hussain, on Sunday. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation within BIMSTEC. In a post on ‘X,’ Jaishankar stated, “Had a fruitful discussion with Mohammad Touhid Hussain, the foreign affairs advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government. Our conversation focused on bilateral relations and BIMSTEC.”
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) comprises seven countries—Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Nepal. Bangladesh is set to chair the next BIMSTEC summit, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from April 2 to 4 this year.