Connecting Communities

Vandalism emasculates connectivity zeal.
Destroyed stations mean waste of taxpayers' bill.
Showing respect and holistic development plan
Unlock potentials that only connectivity can.

Bangladesh celebrated its 50th independence day. There was no short of jubilations, greetings and messages from world leaders. Despite the rising cases of COVID-19, cultural programs took place as planned. Participation of heads of states and representatives of neighboring countries elevated the celebration of 50th anniversary to a new level, reiterating commitment towards a strong regional connectivity.

Unfortunately, the celebration was marred by agitation of a dogmatic group, resulted in loss of 5 lives. In Chattogram, a police station was attacked and in Brahmanbaria, a rail station was vandalized. Everyone has right to protest. But in the name of protest, loss of lives and destruction of public property did not present us to the world as civilized nation. This incident, in fact, ridiculed our independence day and reminded us that we have to go a long way in terms of human development. Look at the reason for vandalism: a neighboring country's PM whose party's some past remarks offended a section of Bangladeshis would come to attend independence day celebration and Bangabandhu's 100th birth anniversary and the dogmatic group decided to oppose it. An individual or group has right to express feelings in a democracy. But there should be a civilized way. Holding a press conference, sending a press release or forming a human-chain in front of presspeople could have been civilized way of demonstration. But causing mayhem and destruction to public property could not be called sign of sane and just behavior.

Long before this anarchy, a certain section was calling into question the decision to invite PM Modi, the former Gujarat chief minister. Negative impression made by media trials etched in the memories of people for years. None probed who wielded power in the central back then.

Over the last one decade, a remarkable change has taken place in India. Nationalism driven by ethos of dominant faith group is becoming predominant in every aspects of Indian lives. It is a fact that we have to acknowledge. Modi embodies the ethos. From humble background, his ascension to power sounds like legend. He remains shining example of empowerment of the Have-nots of India.He proved his mettle in Gujarat where most Muslims, unlike any other Indian states, enjoy better life and livelihood opportunities. This holds true for Indian states where BJP and their allies formed government. Look at Maharashtra or Karnataka. Muslims in theses states are highly educated, wealthier than those in other states. And they are not fleeing in droves abroad or to other Indian states. It means their development agenda and policies are holistic and not biased towards a particular community.

Indian state of Tripura is the latest example of this manifestation. Once backward and forgotten, Tripura now witnesses infrastructural boom and frontier district's Muslim villagers have been freed from contract -farming of cannabis. Years down the line decent livelihood opportunities await for all Tripura residents.

As Bangladesh turned 50, regional connectivity and cooperation echoed in the messages and speeches of leaders of this region. Being the big country of this subcontinent, no scheme would come to fruition without the right kind of support from India. And the group Modi represents holds significant leverage in power corridor, politics, security establishment, corporate India, strategic community and society in India. Unless the group throws its weight around any regional connectivity plan, it will be difficult for the countries to connect the region and accelerate economic activities.

During his stay in Bangladesh, Modi paid visit and offered prayers to two ancient temples: one in Satkhira dated back to the era of Lakshman Sen and the other one in Gopalganj belonging to a community known as "Motua" who holds considerable influence in the politics of West Bengal and other Indian states. There is no doubt after Modiji's visit the two ancient temples will draw bigger crowds in the coming years. Time has come that Bangladesh embarks on a campaign to attract foreign tourists in these sites.

Similarly, Bangladesh government could offer land to spiritual group Modiji represents to set up an institution that will spread the ethos, teachings and the concept of "Hindutya" or "India" to people representing other faith groups.

Bangladesh could be the ideal place for such institution for two reasons. First, Bangladesh is a Muslim majority country and the Muslims are presented in the media as rival to the spiritual group. People from all around the world subscribe to this institution and get an idea of their lessons and visions. Second, it will help removing any ambiguity and dispel propaganda about their pacific beliefs. Bangladesh will have advantage making lasting bond with this group.

Moreover, India shows respect and attaches great importance to the relationship with Bangladesh. In recent years, envoys sent by India as High Commissioners to Bangladesh rose to superior positions in the country's Foreign Ministry. From those positions, they hold leverage to clear and implement any initiative that will bring the countries closer and improve common people's lives. Except few other countries, no other countries show this kind of respect towards Bangladesh.

In that light, inviting Modiji in the celebration of Independence day was right and judicious one. His presence not only bolstered ties but paved the paths for trouble-free future cooperation. Recently World Bank did a study and revealed that regional connectivity would augment Bangladesh's GDP by 17% and India's by 7%. While other nations collaborate on sending missions to Mars and moon and production on vaccine, our region could not emerge from poverty,communal hatred, ignorance, corruption and parochialism.Trivial issues still lead to spilling of blood and destruction of property. These are encumbrances towards forming a common market. The incidents in Dhaka, Chattogram and Brahmanbaria ashamed us. It reminded us that we have to walk hard to connect the region.

Germans and French fought long wars. Within few decades after second World War, they got over their bitterness and hostility and took the lead to form a European common market. Recent vandalism exposes weakness in our societies. Developing human capital is as important as investment in manufacturing or infrastructure. We only need unremitting commitment.