Regional issues
The US and India are coming closer, with various models of pacts and exercises. For obvious reasons, to contain mighty China's hold on South Asia, the long-term strategy of America is to form a seamless region, similar to the former British India.
The next phase is to contain Myanmar (huge energy resources, plus neutralizing communism). For this a closer base is necessary, preferably Bangladesh! The Asian Highway and Railway are a part of the game. Arm-chair analysts play with the possibility [in the future] of possible Balkanization of the vast Indian territories, with New Delhi now playing a passive role.
Another advantage to the foreign marauders is the state of discontent in the Saarc member countries, suffering from the after-effects and fall-outs of partition since 1947 [ Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal]. Add the hostile and arrogant attitude of the of the big brother, no webbing oiled by uncle Sam.
These smaller members are so busy in day to day cleansing of the entrenched evils in the changing society that the foreign policies do not get enough time or priority to ensure long-term strategies. In addition, for diversion, we are lured by the international and agencies [controlled by the western powers] with packets of goodies for sustainable development. Now watch the revolt against the IMF in Dhaka. When political regimes without self-control run the country, we become weaker, as the priorities shift to ad hoc gains. Thus national unity is not practised; and we cannot get out of this trap. The CTG is an emergency relief measure--how to prepare the society to cultivate awareness of distant goals? It is not enough to shout whether we are Bengalees or Bangladeshis--the popularity of a party is not the issue.
We cannot harness one inborn quality--the gift of the gab. Non-stop debates and seminars are not taking the nation forward. Concentration of power [in Dhaka] concentrates corrupt practices; and diversification dilutes the field and spreads it (read the White Paper on DCC Ward Commissioners-yet to be published, but hopefully under drafting]!
We voters are neither here nor there--sandwiched between powerful evil syndicates and cartels. These days, in the modern flats, we cannot open the windows and watch the natural sunlight--the glasses are tinted in the cars!
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