Still a common bond fraternity

However, the Commonwealth and the NAM are two different groupings in a way with largely opposite ideas and objectives -- albeit commonality in certain matters of their imaginations. Both speak of their avowed desire to work towards creating a happy and healthy society on a global scale and pledge to work in concert with others in accomplishing this broad goal. But the Commonwealth is a less political body in comparison to the NAM which was undeniably born out of political exigencies caused by the superpower rivalry with their respective allies when bulk of the world nations felt the need to follow a balanced and independent line, which they are still seeking to pursue even though the cold war era has ceased to exist. Not surprisingly, the NAM has heavy political overtones and it is expected from such a grouping. By contrast, the Commonwealth is not so heavily dominated by politics although matters having political connotation are not out of its purview. The NAM is multi-national and more varied cutting across many barriers and still deals with many sensitive issues while the Commonwealth has relatively less scope for acrimony since it seeks to bind the countries once linked with the British empire and where the English plays a vital role as a common language of communication. The Commonwealth with its secretariat in London is a structured organisation with multi-faceted developmental and welfare-oriented programmes which once again are simply not expected from the NAM.

True, the Commonwealth basks in the commonality of the past even though such a past is not always very refreshing because the experiences of the old era are mingled with matters and moments of both pleasant and unpleasant memories. Nevertheless, like most of the by-gone times, the Commonwealth has sought to preserve and nourish the good sides ignoring the opposite ones, which in turn help develop fellowship and cordiality among the nations with erstwhile British links. As such, it is no wonder that many call the Commonwealth as a "club" that discusses the good old days in the light of some common heritage and linkages. Undoubtedly, this impression is true to an extent, but what is more correct is that the 54-member grouping spread over almost all the continents also strives to deliver some concrete results for its members in the economic and social fields. Importantly, it has also a role in the area of politics since it cares for democracy and human rights and seldom hesitates to abandon a member on charge of getting off the track of these noble principles.

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Representative pattern of government remains an agreed form of governance for its members and admirably there has been no slackening of this aspiration. The United Kingdom, the seat of old democracy and more particularly the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, serves as a beacon light of inspiration for the nature of rule. Needless to say that the British Queen is the head of Common-wealth and this position serves as a source to strengthening this organisation which has vast and tiny, rich and poor and other disparate nations in its fold. All are bound by a feeling of fellowship and commonality that serves the purpose of common benefits.

Since its inception, the Common-wealth has gone into innovative programmes in phases and now it has to be acknowledged that the organiation's projects cover variety of activities aimed at collective benefits and these range from strengthening of the democratic institutions to eradication of illiteracy. Sports, health and sharing of scientific knowledge are not excluded. Commonwealth scholarships over the years have helped many in the pursuit of higher education. In the economic and social side, the plight of the less fortunate member states is not always forgotten as there are also thoughts to help them out of their congenital woes as far as possible.

While the leaders meet at regular intervals under the aegis of the Commonwealth heads of government conference (CHOGM), the forum has evolved system and practices of meeting at various levels -- government and even non-government. The primary objective is to develop close interactions in the mutli-faceted fields. While the parliamentarians meet under the CPA and discuss common issues of interests, sportsmen and women also meet under organised programmes for maintaining close relations. Different professional groups are also brought under the common interests.

In the area of media and journalism, at least three forums now exist like the Commonwealth Press Union (CPU) of the owners and editors, Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) for the working journalists and Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA) for the broadcasting media. Other forums exist for various professional groups and all these help forge close links among the member nations. The Secretary General is the chief executive and the position is filled up through democratic practice of voting by member states. The first to hold this position was Sir Arnold Smith of Canada, followed by Sir Sridath Ramphal of Guyana, Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria and the present incumbent Don Mckinnon of New Zealand. Bangladesh adorned different positions in the secretariat. However, it made an unsuccessful bid for the Secretary General last time. The defeat notwithstanding, this reflected its immense interest in the activities of the Common-wealth. The president of the CJA is currently from Bangladesh as Hasan Shahriar was elected as chief of its world chapter in the last conference for a three-year term becoming the first Asian for the position. Dhaka hosted the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) meeting in late 2003. Bangladesh shooters had the rare glory of clinching gold medals in the Commonwealth sports meet. Commonwealth is a common name in this country. The ongoing Commonwealth Games in Sydney promises another interesting event.

A Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh (CSB), an apolitical organisation with eminent persons from different professions regardless of their political affiliations, exists in our country to promote the ideas of the Commonwealth in a humble and limited way.

It's founder-president was former speaker of the parliament late Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury. The society has its limitations, but strives to contribute to the causes of friendship and fraternity in one hand and promotion of democratic and human values on the other.

Commonwealth has a unique charm in its unity in diversity. It will be height of folly to expect that everything is fine in the grouping, but it has to be admitted that the Commonwealth helps maintain cohesion and spirit of fraternity on the basis of certain noble principles among two billion people under its fold. This in itself by all account is not a mean achievement. It has also strong principled positions on many issues including democracy and human rights. However, commonwealth programmes can still be more innovative an cover other areas as well especially keeping in mind the interest of the smaller members and disadvantaged groups of the society.

Zaglul Ahmed Chawdhury, a senior journalist is a former secretary general of the Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh.