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We need to take lessons from the past to define the future 

Published : Tuesday, 10 September, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 507
AR Sumon
Part-1

A courageous student-led uprising recently took place in Bangladesh, bringing significant political, social, and economic changes not only to Bangladesh but also to the entire Southeast Asia. Bangladesh has entered a new era. This is the ideal time for the country to reclaim its lost heritage and glory.

In 1971, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan through a bloody war. The freedom-loving students and people of the country made immense sacrifices to achieve this independence. During this time, the international support that Bangladesh received came primarily from India.

In 1947, Pakistan and India gained independence from the British. From that time, a hostile attitude between the two countries emerged, which still exists today. At that time, what is now Bangladesh was part of Pakistan and was known as East Pakistan. The discriminatory policies, oppression, and especially the attack on the mother tongue by West Pakistan motivated the people of East Pakistan to launch a movement for independence, which eventually culminated in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

Since the relationship between Pakistan and India was never friendly, India was uncomfortable with Pakistan's presence on both sides of its territory. Taking advantage of this movement, India provided military training, intelligence support, and shelter to countless refugees from the region during the war. The people of Bangladesh still remember India's assistance with gratitude.

In return, India's gains from Bangladesh have been far from insignificant. Bangladesh has always played a crucial role in ensuring the security of India's seven northeastern states. Additionally, India has tried to make Bangladesh entirely dependent on it by constructing dams on international rivers at its own discretion. India's control over Bangladesh in terms of import-export trade is unimaginable. Furthermore, cultural and social aggression has been imposed on the country in a rather blatant manner.

Although India does not have a written agreement with Bangladesh like it does with Bhutan regarding foreign policy, Bangladesh has often had to rely on India's will in this matter, especially during the last 15 years under Sheikh Hasina's rule, where this dependency became increasingly evident.

To get to the point, with the fall of Hasina's fascist regime through the student-led uprising, Bangladesh has embarked on a new horizon. Hasina had practically surrendered herself unconditionally to India, which went against the dignity of a free, sovereign nation. Now is the time for Bangladesh to make its own decisions in both domestic and international affairs.

There is no doubt that India is a major regional power in this subcontinent, but Pakistan is also an important force. Additionally, China, one of the world's superpowers, is a key development partner for Bangladesh.

In global politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies-everything is based on mutual interests. Bangladesh now has the opportunity to move towards economic growth while preserving its dignity and sovereignty, considering mutual interests. This is the time to establish respectful relationships with all countries, including those in SAARC.

Although Bangladesh has a relatively normal relationship with other Asian countries, its relationship with Pakistan is more complex and sensitive. In the current context, improving relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan is a complicated and sensitive matter, but it is also important. The relationship between the two nations has remained cold for a long time due to the history of the 1971 Liberation War and Pakistan's role during that time. However, in the modern world, improving relations can be strategically and economically beneficial in many cases.

Now, let's examine whether it is truly possible for Bangladesh and Pakistan to improve their relations. To do so, we can look at some past events that may shed light on the potential for such an improvement.

The United States reduced two cities in Japan to rubble and carried out a long, bloody campaign in Vietnam. Yet, over time, both countries became close allies of the U.S.

The friendships between the U.S. and Japan, and the U.S. and Vietnam, developed primarily based on political and diplomatic interests. Despite wars and conflicts, these countries later formed close relationships for various reasons.

After World War II, Japan's economy was severely damaged. The U.S. helped Japan rebuild, particularly through economic aid and investment. With America's support, Japan rapidly recovered and became a powerful industrial nation. Economic cooperation deepened the relationship between the two countries further.

The U.S. was eager to rebuild its friendship with Japan, erasing the scars of war. Despite wartime crimes and conflicts, over time, forgiveness and reconciliation improved the relationship between the two countries.
There is an important security treaty between the U.S. and Japan, under which the U.S. provides military protection to Japan.

 (To be continued) 

The writer is Photojournalist & Feature writer of the Daily Observer



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