Editorial
Transit deal with India
It must involve adequate homework from Bangladesh side
This paper has been consistently in favour of greater connectivity, regionally and inter-regionally. We are also for a wider scope for trade and commerce with India. As it is a vital and significant window of economic growth, we have all through remained a vocal supporter for a well thought out transit deal which will be win-win for both sides. We believe with adequate homework, transit can usher in a new era of bilateral relations between our two countries, serving as an example for others to emulate.
In view of the fact that transit is a highly complex, delicate and multi-faceted issue, Bangladesh must thoroughly prepare itself before signing any agreement. We must not jump into reaching a deal without properly examining its various aspects. Transit is an international phenomenon and there are many examples to learn from.
However those opposing any kind of transit agreement with India under any circumstances have, we feel, kept themselves in the dark about the advantages of economic linkage and in most cases they oppose it without understanding and thoroughly going into the subject at all.
The fundamental guiding principle in our negotiations on transit should be that the deal must bring maximum benefits to both sides with especial focus on Bangladesh as our economic challenges are enormous.
At this stage of the discussion we are forced to point out that public has been mostly kept in the dark on this issue. We must remember that in Bangladesh transit is as much, if not more, a political issue as it is an economic one. Therefore solid public support is a precondition for its durability, to gain which we must take the people into confidence and tell them about the advantages of transit. Keeping silent on the issues being negotiated, as we seem to be doing, is likely to be counter productive.
We want the whole discussion on transit to proceed expeditiously which must be backed by credible and in-depth examination of all the issues involved.
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