No one has power to stop Bangladesh, says Yunus

He discusses Nepal's eagerness to connect but laments the lack of opportunities

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus believes no one has the power to hold Bangladesh back due to its geographical position.

Speaking at the annual conference dinner of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, or BASA, on Sunday evening, he described the country’s location and opportunities as a unique blessing.

The event was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka as part of the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference.

Yunus said, “It's about harnessing these opportunities and putting them to work. The process has begun, and we must strengthen it."

He recalled presenting a paper titled Growing Up with Giants at the Banglades China Friendship Exhibition Centre in 1987.

The interim prime minister explained that Bangladesh’s position between two major powers, India and China, is advantageous, as both nations are advancing rapidly.

“Since we are situated between them, they cannot leave us behind,” he said.

“From that moment, I’ve been convinced that Bangladesh’s future is bright because of its position.”

Yunus continued, “Back then, we spoke of two superpowers, but now it’s four. We have vast oceans ahead of us, with our coastlines directly connected to the sea. This is an immense opportunity.”

“The world’s doors are open for us. We have not known how to use them until now. Once we begin, no one will be able to stop our economy, even if it is tied down with iron ropes.”

The chief advisor said, "To the north, we have the famous Himalayan mountain range, where vast energy resources—hydropower—are stored. All the power we need is there, it is not going to waste."

“It’s just waiting to be tapped, the establishment of relations with neighbouring countries, so that the distance between Bangladesh and Nepal can be bridged."

Yunus said, "Nepal keeps saying, 'Take us, we are ready.' But the opportunity to bridge that small gap is not being provided.

“We hope that, for their own economic reasons, they will offer us that opportunity.”

“We are a fortunate nation because of our position. So, why should this nation suffer? Is it our fate, our character, or our way of thinking? If it is, we must free ourselves from it.

The chief advisor pointed out that Nepal is fortunate to be located at the foothills of the Himalayas but unfortunate in that it does not have access to the sea. To view the sea, it would have to go through Bangladesh.

“Bhutan faces the same situation. They too lack access to the sea. The Eastern region of India—The Seven Sisters—also faces the same issue. They do not have access to the sea.”

“We can build a joint economic zone. Goods from these countries will be brought through our seaports, and our goods will also flow. This will enrich both our economy and theirs.”

“We have immense potential before us. Our greatest asset is our vast population. I once thought it was a burden, but now I realise it is truly a human resource,” he concluded.