Colin Powell's visit: Dimensions of significance

Bangladesh plays an interactive role in four inter-governmental organisations -- the UN, Islamic Conference, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Nations (only a few countries have been able to be party to all the four institutions). This unique position gives Bangladesh privy to views of four organisations and helps it to interact effectively in international relations. Consolidation and promotion of cooperation with all the organisations has been a source of strength to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is the third largest Muslim populated country after Indonesia and Pakistan. Because of its standing as a moderate and democratic country, Bangladesh since 1974 has maintained excellent relations with all Islamic countries and occupied an important place within the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).

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Bangladesh is totally committed to peace and its commitment has been demonstrated by its contribution to peacekeeping operations of the UN. The fact that Bangladesh is a regular contributor to UN peacekeeping force and its willingness to quickly respond has been a testimony to the discharge of this responsibility and the role has been lauded by the UN Secretary General.

The US has been involved in South Asian affairs since the early 50s. During the Cold War its main objective was to contain the Soviet Union's influence in South Asia. At present the interest of the US in South Asia has been woven around in promoting certain objectives, such as democracy, economic reforms (free market economy), social development and combating global terrorism. The US wants stable democratic governments in South Asia, where terrorism cannot take its root. Freedom of expression, tolerance and respect for human rights are hallmarks of democratic governments. Democratic governments are accountable and transparent in their decisions and actions and in such setting ordinarily extremism or fundamentalism does not grow among people.

Bangladesh-US relations have grown considerably and have been on a firm footing since the US recognised Bangladesh on 4 April, 1972. The bilateral relationship is based on understanding of each other's interest and benefit. Bangladesh's exports to the US market constitute about 45 per cent of its total exports. About 200 US companies are now engaged in commercial business in the country. The US foreign assistance during the three years reportedly amounted to nearly US$ 1 billion.

In July 1998 the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding with regard to the activities of US Peace Corps in Bangladesh is a testimony to the close co-operation between the two nations. In 2002 a multinational military exercise (code named Shantidoot -- messenger of peace) in cooperation with the US armed forces took place at Rajendrapur ( near Dhaka) with a view to enhancing the capability of Bangladesh army personnel in peacekeeping operations. This was another instance of co-operation between the two countries.

The high water mark of bilateral relations was the visit of President Clinton in March 2000. Regarding the state of bilateral relations President Clinton said in Dhaka:

" Tomorrow the sun will rise on a deeper friendship between America and Bangladesh......I am proud of the kind of partnership we are forging." Later former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to the US in October 2000.

It is unfortunate that Bangladesh has been painted by some Western journalists as "safe haven" for fundamentalist forces. Furthermore the coalition of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Oikya Jote with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in forming the government has rung alarm bells in certain quarters. This has raised concern in many countries including the US that has classified Bangladesh into category IV list of countries for special immigration purposes.

Bangladesh vehemently opposes terrorism in any shape and form and has given its fullest support in combating it. Bangladesh believes that the present protracting violent conflict between Israel and Palestinians that has impact on Muslim countries needs to be resolved with strong involvement of the US. Bangladesh is sympathetic to Iraq and agreeable to play its part in re-construction of the war ravaged country with its skilled and semi-skilled manpower.

The visit may explore the issues that concern both nations. Countries surrounding Bangladesh have been passing through difficult times. Myanmar is in deep political crisis involving its opposition leader Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who has again been under "protective custody" of the military government. India and Pakistan maintain an uneasy peace on the Kashmir dispute. Nepal has remained politically unstable and has been confronting insurgency of Maoist rebels. Sri Lanka's peace talks with the Tamil rebels have stalled. The simmering discontent may threaten national security and serious armed conflicts may not be unlikely in South Asia.

For the US, the Secretary of State will have a frank assessment from Bangladeshi leaders on regional issues that are potentially responsible in destabilising security and the possible threat of terrorist forces around the country. Already Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have been rattled by such militant forces.

For Bangladesh, the visit of the Secretary of State will afford an opportunity of a first hand account of US policy in combating global terrorism, post-war development in Iraq and Afghanistan, Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the recently much publicised "road map" to peace, and security of the Korean peninsula. It may also provide its views on its approach to other global issues.

It has been a concern to most countries that the Bush administration pursues a policy of unilateralism based on military power. It means international law and UN are often ignored if they stand in its way. It illustrates a tendency to dismiss than discuss, deride rather than debate any views opposed to US policy. Its policy towards Palestinians appears to be disproportionately influenced by the Jewish lobbies in the US in support of Israel.

Another concern appears to be that the US does not complete a job it undertakes. Before it has finished its task in Afghanistan, it waged war on Iraq. The US has been involved militarily in both countries to secure law and order. Now it is threatening North Korea. Iran accuses US of fostering unrest in the country. These are not comfortable scenarios in Asia. For all these reasons it would not be incorrect to say that the image of the US among many people in Asia including those in Bangladesh has suffered.

History, physical location, population and natural resources are among the prime factors that influence foreign and strategic policy of a nation. Bangladesh is not economically or militarily strong but it plays its role in world affairs above its weight. It strongly believes that for the region and in global context, economic development is more important than building military strength and that security is best guaranteed by working in cooperation than by building armouries.

It is acknowledged that the interests of the US and Bangladesh are diverse in many ways. The two countries continue to have honest difference of views on many issues. It must be stressed that Bangladesh does not need to fall in line with US policy for maintenance of good bilateral relations. There are certain basic principles to which Bangladesh has stood and will stand firm. The differences must not be allowed to fester or erode mutually beneficial relations. In that context the visit of the Secretary of State Colin Powell is significant and adds depth and dimension to bilateral relations of the two countries.

Barrister Harun ur Rashid is a former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN, Geneva.