Turning of the tide
MOSES forbade that a country should appoint a foreigner as its ruler. Save for that one job, governments throughout history have appointed outsiders in their key positions. Italian city-states hired the Condottieri, mercenary soldiers, to fight their wars against other countries. Foreigners are serving as advisors and consultants to many Third World nations. Keeping that in mind, we should be happy that the sons of this soil, who settled in the West, are taking renewed interest in their country of birth.
Frankly, it's good news. They have lived in modern societies and worked in advanced economies. They have outcompeted men of other nationalities at professional levels. They dress, speak, and carry themselves well. No doubt, they can do it better than many of us.
So, it's inspiring that some of them are willing to return, while others are inclined to spend more time here. Even a medical doctor from Washington DC came to tell us about our history last month (not sure what the connection was). They are now increasingly present in television and newspapers. They are trying to participate in our national dialogue for growth and good governance. They are putting their minds to work for us, the Harvard Seminar being an example.
Does it matter then whether they hold foreign passports or remain permanent residents of other countries? India is wooing the non-resident Indians with open arms. They are most welcome to live and work in India. They are invited to invest in India. The Indian prime minister has lately urged them even to participate in Indian politics. Pakistan is also reaching out to its nationals abroad. We shouldn't hesitate to do the same thing as well.
The Bangladeshis living in other countries still love Bangladesh, which is an asset for us. Cynics may argue that they had once shifted loyalty to other countries. They might contend that they (NRBs) had spurned their woebegone motherland for the glitters of foreign shores.
In spite of that, they should be welcome. Any day, they would be more reliable than foreign advisors and consultants. They should be able to help us with our economy, technology and business decisions. They believe in Pahela Baishakh, Ekushey February, March 25th, Independence Day, and Victory Day, the ethos and pathos of this nation still runs in their blood. They adopted a new country, but never severed their close ties to the old one.
Machiavelli attributed Italy's demise to the use of mercenary forces. Those forces were undisciplined, cowardly, and without loyalty. Their only motivation to fight was for pay. They lacked in commitment. Which is why Bangladeshis returning to Bangladesh gives us hope. They are going to bring commitment with them.
Yet, the idea of a foreign passport holder, even a permanent resident, sitting at the helm of our government, rankles in our minds. It must be akin to the sentiments for which a natural-born citizen has to be the president of the United States. It must be the same sentiment for which General Aung San created the rule that a Burmese who married a foreigner couldn't rule his country.
Of course, extraordinary times create extraordinary leaders. General Aung San's daughter Aung San Suu Kyi married a foreigner and the future of Burma hinges on her. Mahatma Gandhi had returned from South Africa to lead India to her freedom. Who knows, a Bangladeshi who had once left this country might return as its saviour.
As a rule of thumb, however, the expatriate Bangladeshis shouldn't make this country part of their retirement plan. It shouldn't come as an extension of their career path, looking for a sinecure in old age. And, they should come with full disclosure about their domicile status so that we don't have to live in doubt about their intentions.
Nothing is wrong if they should wish to serve this country late in the day. They can start by showing they are different from us. They can start by showing that they are going to treat us with respect. They shouldn't insult our intelligence or take us for granted. We shouldn't become guinea pigs in their experiment with personal success.
We want them to come. They can live, work and invest in this country. They can even get involved in politics. In that case, they should come at least ten years early and renounce permanent residence or foreign citizenship. If they buy into the game, they should buy into the rules. Our politicians do neither. They are inconsequential. They are detached from people. Last thing we need is more of the same.
Alright, the tide is turning. The fortunate amongst us managed to escape, but we got stuck in misery. Let us make it easy for those rushing to our rescue. The shoe still pinches us in the same place where it used to pinch them.
Mohammad Badrul Ahsan is a columnist for The Daily Star.
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