Wednesday | 15 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Wednesday | 15 January 2025 | Epaper

Ties with Australia could spill on multiple spheres

Published : Tuesday, 2 July, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 319
Rajeev Ahmed
Australias image is often one of stunning beaches and bustling cities. But beneath the postcard-perfect veneer lies a complex history marked by dispossession, exploitation, and ongoing struggles for recognition. The arrival of Europeans in 1788 shattered millennia-old Aboriginal societies. The land, for so long nurtured by Indigenous custodianship, was declared terra nullius - a legal fiction that ignored the intricate web of relationships Aboriginal people had with the land. Colonization unleashed a wave of violence, dispossession, and cultural destruction. The Stolen Generations, the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their families, stands as a stark reminder of this dark chapter.

Australias engagement with Asia has also grown in recent decades. This shift reflects a more nuanced understanding of the nations geographical and cultural location. Yet, challenges remain in navigating complex geopolitical realities and forging genuine partnerships. From a Bangladeshi perspective, gratitude for Australias early recognition of their independence in 1972 is undeniable, especially considering the hesitation of many Western nations at the time. Australias ongoing development assistance in education, infrastructure, and climate change adaptation is also deeply appreciated.

However, the relationship remains imbalanced. Trade heavily favors Australia, with limited access for Bangladeshi goods to the Australian market. While the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) excites some, concerns linger. Bangladeshis fear Australian dominance and a potential influx of cheap goods that could cripple their own industries.

Bangladesh is no longer simply a nation reliant on aid. It has transformed into a middle-income economy boasting a growing consumer base and a skilled workforce. From this vantage point, the traditional donor-recipient model feels outdated. Bangladesh seeks a more balanced partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests.

Greater Australian investment in Bangladeshi infrastructure, particularly in power generation and transportation, could create significant opportunities. Technology transfer in sectors like renewable energy could empower Bangladesh to develop sustainable solutions for its growing population. Joint ventures, especially in the crucial textile industry, could leverage Australian expertise to create high-value products for the global market. Streamlined visa processes for Bangladeshi professionals and students would benefit both nations. Bangladeshs skilled workforce could contribute to Australias economy, while Australian universities could provide valuable educational opportunities for Bangladeshi students.

One major point of contention is Australias stance on the Rohingya crisis. While some humanitarian aid has been provided, Bangladesh feels Australia could exert more pressure on Myanmar for a sustainable solution. The massive Rohingya refugee population burdens Bangladesh economically and socially, and a more robust Australian response is desired.

The Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia represents a vital bridge between the two nations. However, concerns exist regarding their social integration and recognition within Australian society. Initiatives fostering cultural exchange and inclusivity would strengthen people-to-people connections and enrich the relationship.

Just as Australias relationship with South Asia is marked by colonial legacies and evolving economic ties, its connection with Bangladesh reflects a similar complexity. Moving beyond the "aid narrative," Australia needs to acknowledge Bangladeshs growing economic and strategic significance.

The AUKUS pact, announced in 2021, signifies a strategic shift for Australia, prioritizing deterring Chinas growing influence. While Bangladesh understands these security concerns, it worries about being caught in the crossfire of a potential US-China conflict. Increased regional tensions could disrupt trade and investment, hindering Bangladeshs economic development.

Furthermore, Australias Indo-Pacific focus could divert resources away from crucial regional challenges like climate change. Bangladesh, a low-lying delta nation, is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies is essential for Bangladeshs future.

However, there are promising signs of existing cooperation in the field of climate change adaptation. Australia supports of two Government of Bangladesh programs: The Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund and the Comprehensive Disaster Management Program.

Looking beyond bilateral cooperation, regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can play a vital role in facilitating closer ties. Bangladesh enjoys observer status in ASEAN, and fostering closer engagement within this framework could create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration on issues of mutual interest, such as maritime security and economic development.

With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential "Asian tiger" poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Oceans stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladeshs maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavours represent the core of Australias strategic interests centred on Bangladesh.

By acknowledging past imbalances, fostering a more equitable partnership through increased two-way trade and strategic investments that benefit both nations, and recognizing Bangladeshs growing importance, Australia can build a stronger connection with a nation that is no longer just a recipient of aid, but a significant player in the region. This shift in perspective is essential for forging a future where both nations can truly thrive together.

The writer of Bengal Nexus, and the Editor of geopolits.com



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
This is right time to dismantle RAB
Beware of fireworks on the eve of new year 
Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue
What to do for physical and mental health 
Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts
Accountability is a must-but how?
Comrade Moni Singh: A legend of sacrifice in politics
A better tomorrow with the awakening of 2024
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: district@dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close