Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said Bangladesh is no longer a “submissive” country, in terms of foreign policy, stressing that relations with all nations will be based on mutual respect and national interest.

In his televised farewell speech ahead of Tuesday’s handover of power, Yunus said his administration had restored three fundamental foundations of Bangladesh’s external engagement: sovereignty, national interests, and dignity.

“Bangladesh is no longer a country with submissive foreign policy or dependent on the instructions and advice of other countries,” he said.

Yunus highlighted regional economic opportunities, pointing to vast growth potential through cooperation with Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India.

He said Bangladesh’s maritime access is a strategic asset. “Our open sea is not merely a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy,” he added.

He noted that economic zones, trade agreements, and duty‑free market access were laying the foundation for the region to emerge as a global manufacturing hub. Agreements with international port management companies, he added, would raise efficiency to global standards.

Turning to security challenges, Yunus said the Rohingya crisis remained a serious strain on Bangladesh’s national security, regional stability, and economy. For years, no effective international initiative was visible to resolve the crisis, he said.

“Since assuming office, we have been able to bring this issue, which was moribund in the international arena, back to the centre of global attention,” he said.

He added that the UN had stood by Bangladesh, with the secretary-general visiting the country and pledging support for a sustainable solution. At Prof Yunus’s request, a special conference on the Rohingya issue was held at the UN.