Muhammad Yunus, Principal Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh File Image | Photo credit: AP
Outgoing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Monday (Feb 16, 2026) said his 18-month rule had restored the three main pillars of Bangladesh’s external engagement – “sovereignty, national interests and dignity”, and that it was no longer a “loyalty” country.
In his farewell address to the nation, Mr. At the end of his reign, Yunus said, “Today’s Bangladesh is confident, proactive and responsible in defending its independent interests.”
“Bangladesh is no longer a country that has a subservient foreign policy or depends on the suggestions and advice of other countries,” he said in a televised speech a day before leaving power.
He emphasized that his 18-month tenure had reshaped the three “fundamental foundations” of the country’s foreign engagement: “sovereignty, national interests and dignity”.
Mr Yunus’ interim rule began in August 2024 and the unscheduled term will end on Tuesday (Feb 17, 2026) with the swearing-in of a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won a two-thirds majority in general elections four days ago.
The BNP led by its chairman Tariq Rahman won 209 seats out of 297 in the crucial 13th parliamentary elections held on February 12.
“I appeal to everyone, irrespective of party, religion, creed, caste and gender, to continue the struggle to build a just, humane and democratic Bangladesh. With this appeal, I bid farewell with great optimism,” said Mr Yunus.
Bangladesh’s open sea is its greatest “strategic asset” and has created huge economic opportunities for the South Asian country in the region, said Mr., who led the country as chief adviser to the outgoing regime and effectively as prime minister. Yunus said.
He emphasized the vast growth potential of broader regional cooperation involving Nepal, Bhutan and “North East India”.
“Our open sea is not just a geographical boundary; it is a gateway to the global economy,” he said, adding that connectivity is central to the country’s next phase of development.
Mr. Singh said that his administration has completed its efforts to “ensure democratic rights and values” and has enacted around 130 new laws, amended other laws and issued 600 executive orders, 84 percent of which have been implemented. Yunus said.
He said that the international port management companies, against which the workers have staged mass protests, are criticizing the interests of Bangladesh and will increase the capacity of the facilities to meet international standards.
He said that we have come a long way in entering into agreements with leading international port management companies to increase the capacity of their ports to international standards, and if we cannot increase the capacity, we will lag behind in economic success.
Earlier in the day, Mr Yunus met senior bureaucrats and took part in a photo session with all those working in his office.
Bangladesh Army Chief General Walker-Uz-Zaman also bid farewell to him. Mr. Yunus thanked the Army Chief for the cooperation of the armed forces during the general elections.
On Sunday (February 15, 2026), Mr. Yunus held the last meeting of his advisory council or cabinet. Mr. Under Yunus, Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi deteriorated significantly.
India is concerned about the attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Published – February 17, 2026 at 01:57 am IST
