Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon said the South Asian leaders will have to change their mindset and make Saarc a more effective and functional body to use the platform for the welfare of about 150 crore people of this region.

“Mistrust and lack of commitment have been hampering smooth functioning of Saarc. Even after two decades of its formation the South Asian forum has failed to make any significant impact on improving people's lifestyle,” he observed.

In an interview with The Daily Star yesterday ahead of the 13th Saarc Summit in Dhaka, Menon urged the South Asian leaders to identify the common problems of the region and work together to resolve the problems.

“Why will we keep us isolated when every corner of the world is being globalised?” he said. “We will have to look beyond our border.”

Menon suggested that the South Asian leaders should work with sincere political will to resolve the common problems of the region. He said traditional bureaucracy in the member countries is another obstacle to the flourishing of Saarc.

“But, our opportunity is more than that in the European Union as we have a common history, common culture. People of this region have been united for a long time,” he said.

Referring to a comment of Bangladesh foreign minister about Saarc's future, Menon said, “I am also hopeful that the next decade of Saarc will be an era of implementation of the commitments the South Asian leaders have made so far.”

About Saarc's failure, Menon said Saarc began its journey with mistrust among the nations and the conflicting relations between India and Pakistan was another obstacle. “But, recent improvement in India-Pakistan ties is a great opportunity for Saarc,” he said.

The Workers Party leader was however critical of the present government's “Look East” policy and said, “First we have to earn confidence of the close neighbours.”

Menon also said regional cooperation is necessary for trade as South Asia is a big market.

About terrorism, Menon said, “All the countries in the area are faced with the problem.” He said instead of blaming each other, the Saarc nations should make sincere commitment that they will go together in the fight against terrorism.

The Workers Party leader felt that the induction of China and Afghanistan into Saarc would help make the seven-nation regional forum stronger.