Bangladesh and Asian Highway
Recently many people are writing about the failure of the present Bangladesh government as well as previous regimes to sign as a member of the Asian Highway Network. Bangladesh did not ink the papers because of unfounded fear of allowing transit facilities to India. Bangladesh is insisting on diverting the road network through Myanmar, ultimately connecting with China. The recent lobbying of Bangladesh with the Myanmar government is yet to produce any positive results for our country. Legally, Bangladesh cannot lobby for changes in routes unless it becomes a member. Our position has been demoted to the status of observer from member.
Geographical location plays the most important part in the politico- economic-- strategic--cultural aspects of a country. Bangladesh is tucked between South- East Asia and India. It literally connects these two regions. Bangladesh acts as a transit country for various purposes---smuggling, legal trading, travelling etc. We can utilize our transit country status to our advantage through a carefully orchestrated foreign policy. Any gas pipeline, road link etc, will give us more leverage and bargaining power with India, Myanmar, Thailand and other countries in the west and east. Bangladesh can convert a 'make belief disadvantage and fear' into a strong bargaining power.
In our opinion, the sooner Bangladesh ratifies and signs Asian Highway Network treaty, the better for the country. We do not want to be left out and become an outsider in our own vicinity, and be deprived of huge revenues.
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