Can't the people embark on Saarc?

Would that be a fitting portrait of the just-concluded and highly celebrated thirteenth Saarc summit, a demonstration in pomp and profligacy that we Bangladeshis have never before witnessed? So, what was the meaning of it all: the city beautified; state coffers compromised; and the city draped in a security curtain? What are to be the fruits of such lavish expenditures? How are we the people to be benefited from these ostentatious displays, and why were the people left in the lurch during this whole hullabaloo?

There was a grand party in town, celebrations the likes of which we could not previously comprehend. So why were we made to go on a two-week extended vacation. Not two months ago were our business communities incensed over the introduction of a two-day weekend, what are they thinking now? How are they rejoicing? After all never have we celebrated a Saarc summit with such pomp, and we have hosted quite a few. But seriously, did the summit necessitate the cordoning of all major transportation routes and bringing the lifeline of Dhaka to a standstill? The traders of Kawran Bazaar alone have faced losses of over a hundred million takas daily, how can that bode well for our fledgling economy? Would not the government have received more support for their initiative if they had not shunned the people so brusquely?

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Of course there were security concerns. But did not our Finance Minister declare our law enforcement the best in the region (not surprisingly on that very day a suicide bomber blows up two court justices). Funny how our authorities will go to any expense to portray to the world how safe and free from violence our nation is, but hardly lift a finger to actually rid it of terror.

So what exactly was achieved during these three days of heightened security and skilful PR, apart from grand receptions and polite dialogues? A feeling of mutual trust was created; there was a lot of camaraderie among leaders of the seven states. However, the states once again stood their ground on maintaining the status quo. Our leaders discussed, and professed their consolations to the people of Pakistan for the devastating earthquake, to the people of Sri Lanka for the destructive tsunami, and the famine. Did everyone forget to mention that there rages famine in northern Bangladesh? Famine it seems is an issue considered taboo in civil dialogues.

Three actual agreements were signed which, however auspicious, do not skim the surface of the issues that need to be urgently addressed. It has become politically correct to include poverty alleviation, and combating terrorism, in any and all state discussions, other than that mutual aid in confronting natural catastrophes, and increase of trade and economic relations were also discussed.

Though our member nations are geographically contiguous and maintain a close social kinship, the socioeconomic state of the seven member countries vary immensely. A popular catch phrase for political stalwarts the world over has become "global terrorism.

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Will our esteemed leaders please explain this global branding! Where lie the core similarities between the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the Maoist insurgents in Nepal, the separatists in Kashmir, and the JMB in our own beloved state? How again, can we deal with such disparate problems if we cloak them all under a single banner? Notwithstanding the problems of the other states, can it not be stated that the terrorism that we fear today in our cities and even in our homes is fully home grown? If it was the indifference of our law enforcement authorities and the tacit support of some of our glorious leaders that gave rise to most of these groups and their dastardly "Bangla Bhais" then should not the remedy for such terrorism also necessitate a cure from within our establishment. What is needed is the intent of our authorities, which is criminally lacking; no other nation can help us there.

But speaking of terrorism and violence, the most integral point our leaders have missed, and that too with intent. They have discussed cross-border terrorism, and yet not an agreement was reached on the prevention of the most insidious form of cross-border terrorism, vis-a-vis state authorised terrorism. Border tensions between BSF and BDR are ever ignescent. Innocent lives are lost on a daily basis. What we needed from this summit was some conclusive dialogues and an end to the strife that inhabitants of border regions endure every day of their lives.

A fifty-three-point declaration was issued pledging to truncate trade barriers and boost economic growth in the region, and the creation of Safta. A noble undertaking indeed, until one is reminded of a similar body with a very similar name -- Nafta. Nafta has shown how for developed nations open markets equate into economic growth, but not so for nations who have somewhat a backseat on the development train. A brief study of the effects of Nafta on Mexico will illustrate the case. So how productive can following such examples be for our nascent economy?

According to a news report, the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has estimated that trade between the member nations shall multiply almost three fold once Safta goes into effect. Those are rather impressive figures, though with questionable authority. But the primary question remains which countries will finally pocket that increased volume of trade. Open markets will not automatically mean growth for nations like ours. It has been argued by many that our current Finance Minister's farsighted and holistic policy of opening up our markets has already done quite a lot of damage to our burgeoning and indigenous industries.

Our leaders need to understand that there has to be a fair amount of balance in all negotiations. Completely opening up our markets to more mature economies like India, and China (who might become members soon) will not auger well for our own economy. Saarc needs to be a platform for the important issues that need to be addressed, not just a PR frenzy. Issues that are of immediate concern to our people were not tabled at the conference; border tensions and water sharing with India were not even brought up. This summit seemed more intent on giving awards and toasting past leaders.

We need to use platforms like Saarc to bring attention to issues that need urgent resolution. Our leaders need to put their noses to the grindstone and do what is best for the nation and the people at large. Let us not just sign agreements for the sake of signing agreements, nor for the sake of boosting our political PR.

And one more thing, let's hope next time the circus comes to town the townsfolk is allowed a peek at the fat lady. We really have had enough of the backs of those black bandanas. Let us also participate in the festivities. Let the people embark on Saarc.

Bobby Hajjaj studied politics in USA. He is now a local entrepreneur.