Thinking outside the box

First, there are people from both countries in positions of power or influence who studied together in the United Kingdom in the middle of the last century. If I am not mistaken, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is one such person and is personally known to some of our senior citizens. There should be attempts to tap these past relationships before their time comes to an end.

Second, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has special feelings for Bangladesh as evidenced by his close friendships and periodic visits here. Professor Sen has also advised the Indian government for many years. When he speaks people tend to listen or if nothing else give careful consideration to his views. Why not try to convince him about our concerns and ideas towards influencing the Indian leadership?

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Third, there needs to be greater engagement of the West Bengal government. One would assume them having greater stake since economic, political, and social issues between our two countries will benefit or harm them first before it is felt elsewhere in India. They will then have stronger basis for influencing New Delhi.

Fourth, pro-active engagement with the business community in India, particularly groups with strong social values like Tata and Infosys. I do not feel that the Indian business community has been sufficiently educated or made aware of the importance of Bangladesh as a market and of the potential for further growth provided that pragmatic economic policies are pursued. They have the clout, unity, and vision to influence policy.

I remember some time back a business friend was critiquing a certain minister and said that the only point in his favour was his anti-Indian attitude. The key issue is not whether our political and bureaucratic leaders are anti or pro one country or another, it is whether they are pro-Bangladesh. We cannot foolishly think that poor relations with a country that surrounds us on three sides can be beneficial for our people.

Safi Khan is a development activist.