CA's High Representative explains Yunus's statement on 'Seven Sisters'

Khalilur Rahman, High Representative to the Principal Adviser on Rohingya Crisis and Priority Issues, has explained Yunus' comments about seven northeastern states in India known as 'Seven Sisters' during his recent visit to China. He gave this explanation after various political parties in India reacted to the Chief Advisor's remarks.

 "This is not the first time the chief adviser has said this. He said the same thing in 2012. In 2023 too, Japan's then Prime Minister Kishida talked about tying North-East India and Bangladesh together in a value chain and in this context, he also talked about a single economic zone, which is considered 'Big B Initiative'.

Khalilur Rahman said this at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday, according to a local news outlet.

Khalilur Rahman said, "See, as I said earlier, connectivity will open the door to the possibilities of this region. Especially for those who are very difficult to get access to the sea. But we will not force connectivity. We are not in a position to give. If someone takes it well, and if not, what will I do, there is nothing I can do. He (the chief adviser) said in a very honest, motivated way. Now if a different explanation is given, we cannot resist that explanation. All we can say is that we are willing to provide connectivity for equal benefits for all. If someone takes it, it is good, if not, do not take it. ’

Noting that connectivity is very important in the region, Khalilur Rahman said it is not possible without regional cooperation. Secondly, the instability in the international economy at the moment is also very difficult for any country in the region, especially small countries, to deal with it alone. When these problems are tackled collectively, the chances of solving the problem will increase. You have to be hopeful.