A Calculated Provocation?

As Bangladesh courts Beijing and distances itself from New Delhi, Yunus's remarks on Northeast India raise concerns of geopolitical brinkmanship wrapped in economic desperation

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh seems extraordinarily ecstatic over his recently concluded China visit (26-29 March). Bangladesh media is also upbeat about the trip as they perceive proximity to China will help alienate India from Bangladesh, particularly in view of the plummeting relations with India in the wake of Sheikh Hasina's ouster and the developments that ensued. Similarly, the students with political inclinations and closeness to Yunus are also feeling upbeat on this visit. During his China stay, Yunus met (March 28) Chinese President Xi Jinping and sought more investments to revive Bangladesh's fledgling economy, hit by political and economic crisis.