Bangladesh needs to strengthen economic relations with “landlocked” Nepal, Bhutan, as well as the northeastern States of India, said Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, in a meeting on Monday (September 22, 2025) with Sergio Gor, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Ambassador-Designate for India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.
Mr. Yunus and Mr. Gor held talks on the sidelines of the UNGA’s annual session about the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, including the prospects of the election that is scheduled to be held in February 2026. He informed Mr. Gor that Dhaka has intensified the process to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
“The election will be held in February. It will be free, fair, and peaceful. The country is fully prepared,” said Mr. Yunus, after the meeting.
“Additionally, he emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties with landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as with India’s seven Northeastern states,” said the Chief Adviser’s press wing after the meeting.
“We can accelerate our economic growth through closer regional cooperation,” said Mr. Yunus. Mr. Yunus had described India’s northeastern states as “landlocked” during the March-April visit to China when he had urged greater economic ties between China and South Asia.
