Indo-US nuclear deal
The long-term implications of the recent Indo-US nuclear pact have to be carefully analysed by the political players in Dhaka, on future Western ambitions in South Asia. Analysts in the media point out that the deal would open future US investment by more than USD 10 billion, and provide job security to more than 200,000 Americans.
At the same time, China has assured Pakistan of nuclear umbrella services. The other side of the coin is the future outcome of the tentative project of supply of Iranian oil to India through pipeline passing through Pakistan.
Bangladesh has enough natural energy resources to attract the rich industrialised countries. What is more attractive are the energy resources in Myanmar. What could Dhaka do -- what are the options available? The main political parties are battling the CTG and the EC on local issues and technical details. How to handle Bangladesh policy strategies during the coming decade? The coming election campaigns should not make us one-eyed.
Bengal was under the influence of foreign cultures for centuries (mainly Mogul and British). We won freedom and independence in 1971. The question is how long could we maintain it? We are staggering under the load of poor governance. We need two ingredients: the right leadership, and the mass weight behind the policies. How close are we to these basic objectives? We are fighting within ourselves, and had to invent the CTG to prove it. We need extra reserves of civic energy for our foreign policies.
Let us start the house-cleaning afresh, as foreign economic cartels are planning on how to make Bangladesh a colony once again.
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