The political atmosphere in Assam has turned heated after Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus made remarks about integrating India’s “Seven Sisters” into a Bangladesh-led economic hub. The statement has triggered a sharp reaction from the ruling BJP in Assam, which called it a revival of an old geopolitical ambition.
Responding strongly, BJP Assam chief spokesperson Kishore Upadhyay alleged that Yunus’s comments reflect a “long-standing dream” within sections of the Bangladeshi and earlier Pakistani leadership.
“This has been a long-standing dream of the Bangladeshi leadership. In fact, starting from Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1947 to Yunus today, from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Mujibur Rahman — this has remained an unfinished agenda,” Upadhyay said.
He claimed that the “grief” of not being able to bring Assam under the influence of the Muslim League during Partition still lingers in what was once East Pakistan and is now Bangladesh. According to him, recent references to the Seven Sisters — and even mentions of Bhutan and Nepal — must not be dismissed as mere economic rhetoric.
Historical References and Demographic Concerns
Upadhyay cited what he described as historical precedents, alleging that even in Mujibur Rahman’s writings before 1975, there were references to Assam’s land and demographic potential. He also claimed that Bhutto shared similar views about regional expansion.
“So, if we dismiss what Yunus said as political rhetoric, it would be a mistake,” he warned. “This has been a dream for 70 to 80 years.”
The BJP spokesperson further argued that ongoing political instability in Bangladesh is being strategically used to push this broader regional vision.
Allegations of Illegal Occupation
The BJP leadership in Assam also raised concerns about illegal land occupation and demographic shifts. Upadhyay claimed that foreign influence is visible in districts such as Dhubri, Barpeta, Nagaon, Darrang, Morigaon, Karimganj and Cachar.
“They are illegally occupying land, forest land and even Xatra lands. Assamese people must take these remarks seriously and work to eliminate such influences,” he said.
Upadhyay aligned his remarks with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stating that the state leadership has repeatedly warned about historical expansionist ideas dating back to Partition-era politics.
BJP Targets Opposition
The criticism also extended to opposition parties. Upadhyay accused certain political forces of indirectly supporting what he termed “expansionist dreams.”
“If Assamese people are not alert, the dreams seen by Jinnah, Mujibur Rahman and the Muslim League — and those who still sympathize with such thinking — may one day succeed,” he said.
The sharp exchange comes at a sensitive time, as Yunus prepares to hand over leadership amid political transition in Bangladesh, reportedly paving the way for a new government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
