Editorial
Why this claim game?
No visit can be a hundred percent success or a hundred percent failure
WE are rather surprised by the extreme positions the two political parties have taken in assessing the outcome of the recently concluded visit of the Bangladesh PM to India. We find such a stance reflective of lack of maturity and not up to the intellect and wisdom that one expects of political leadership at the top. It is certainly not the way to look at sensitive issues, particularly when that has to do with as complex a relationship as that of India and Bangladesh.
The BNP, in its characteristic manner, chose to describe the outcome of Hasina's India visit as a hundred percent failure. That is perhaps understandable, given the opposition's tradition of irresponsible utterances and disapproval and condemnation of every action of the ruling party. But for the PM to claim a cent percent triumph, by way of her party's response, was something that is not expected of a party with longstanding traditions.
It is as much inane to think that a visit is a hundred percent failure as it is to claim its hundred percent success. Both are extreme positions that often tend to dilute the gravity of important issues. We expect more maturity from both the political parties in this regard and urge upon them to refrain from making sweeping statements.
One must look at things objectively in assessing issues. And the visit must be viewed dispassionately to estimate achievements and deficiencies. It would be right to think that the bilateral visit, coming after a long gap, has been a major breakthrough that has laid the basis of a mutually productive relationship between Bangladesh and India.
The essential question that we must address is whether we choose to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries or allow the near adversarial relationship that had existed between the two, during the BNP alliance tenure, to continue. India, we must understand, is far too important a country to be subjected to extreme assessments. And no doubt, harmonious relationship, notwithstanding thorny issues, between neighbours, will bring gains for both the countries.
We suggest that instead of decrying the gains or exulting in the success alone, it would be appropriate to take an objective look at what has been gained and what remains to be done in respect of issues that need follow up actions, like the water and trade issues.
As for the opposition, we had in our earlier comments welcomed the hint given by the BNP to attend the JS. We suggest that the time is now for the opposition to make substantive contributions on the issue, something that we are sure would benefit the nation. We urge the opposition not to fail the people.
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