With various countries of South Asia struggling against internal strife or facing violence domestically or from across the borders ,the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed to India this week may prove the beginning of a new phase of relationship between the two countries that could be the first step towards combating international terrorism in this region and additionally bring about marked improvement in the trade and economic environment of Bangladesh.The slew of agreements concluded between the two countries includes a significant concession of providing road and rail links from Bangladesh to Nepal as well as to Bhutan via India,carrying the potential of facilitating Bangladesh’s economic integration with other countries in this region which may also boost its trade with even other distant countries. The other agreements of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; combating international terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking and transfer of sentenced persons may go a long way in ridding this region of the scourge of terrorism.
It could be more meaningful if such like issues are discussed in-between various countries of this region with a view to institutionalize such matters of common concern and provide strong structures so that all countries big or small may take recourse to safeguard their interests on equal footing.This would naturally promote cohesiveness in this region and enhance the prospects of economic integration.
Paradoxically ,countries in Europe that were at war during world war II intent on devouring those on the opposite side have completely given up their hostilities and are now rather united in the form of European Union to boost their economic interests while countries in South Asia after the British power left this region are virtually adopting antagonist policies of hatred towards the neghibouring countries.
Resultantly the region is torn with terrorism and as a result economic advancement of almost all the countries suffers and the people live in poverty and misery.If united,we could put higher stakes to global resources at institutions like UN,World Bank and enjoy better clout in International fora. On the other hand divisive and retrograde forces at play undermine the interests of our countries.
Though Sri Lanka has succeeded in eliminating the terrorist organization of LTTE,Nepal is hopefully likely to emerge stronger after the peace process, India is squarely handling the naxalite problem which somehow appeared as having links to the situations prevailing in Sri Lanka and Nepal, Pakistan may also recover from its domestic terrorism while Afghanistan is at the centre of focus of International efforts to impart stability to this country.Coordinated efforts may be the key solution to bring concord and harmony to this area for mutual benefits.
Cultural and linguistic ties have not been properly exploited at Govt-to-Govt level as well as people-to-people levels to bestow sanity and goodwill in this region though films from bollywood and Pakistan equally touch the chord of people in the entire region.
The current meet between the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh may thus prove a turning point in imparting goodwill,stability and economic advancement in Bangladesh and similar approach may gradually embrace the whole region yielding the dividends of progress and prosperity.
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