Editorial
Secretary of State's visit
A new high in Bangladesh US relations
Although the ostensible purpose of the visit of the US Secretary of State to Dhaka was to formalise the issue of Bangladesh--US Partnership Dialogue, the visit has been significant in more ways than one. It has for one thing, moved the level of bilateral relationship to a higher degree and for another, formally brought Bangladesh in the strategic radar of the US. Ms. Clinton's comments covered both the internal political situation as well as the strategic compulsions.
As far as the internal developments in Bangladesh are concerned we feel she has echoed the sentiments of the greater majority of Bangladeshis with her candid comments that are widely shared and have been constantly expressed by all segments of the society here. Notable in the comments is the urgency for resolution of conflictive issues between the two parties and stimulation of such a state that would see politics and economy complement each other for a holistic growth of the country.
There is little doubt that democracy will remain hollow if the rule of law is disregarded and which will inevitably result in the institutions being stunted. Providing security to its people is the bounden duty of the state that cannot countenance any excuse, and that is what needs to addressed earnestly by the government.
Her call for dialogue to find solutions to seemingly intractable issues finds strong resonance among the right thinking ones too. Certainly, hartal, and the violence associated with it, as we have seen in very recent times, as well as in the past, can only exacerbate the situation and not solve it. It is not only the poor that are the worst sufferers it discourages foreign investment too, something which Bangladesh needs so badly.
However, the most significant issue addressed during the visit is the commitment of both countries to meet annually for consultations on various issues of mutual concern and addressing them to their mutual benefits. We welcome this given that the issues cover a wide range of subjects that fall within the rubric of human security from crimes to climes and from combating terrorism to extremism and women's empowerment. We are interested to see how each of these aspects is addressed in the future.
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