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Bangladesh and global politics

A.B.M.S. ZAHUR
INTERNATIONAL politics is changing fast, perhaps faster than estimated by the experts. Like all politics, it is a struggle for power, which is always the ultimate aim. The following elements control it:
• Geography;
• Natural resources, (i) food & (ii) raw material;
• Industrial capacity;
• Military power;
• Population;
• National character and strength of mind;
• Diplomatic skill;
• Sports policy; and
• Culture
A country needs strength to protect its national independence, sovereignty and security. Without strength a country cannot have an influential policy.
Due to sudden development of certain events the change in global politics has become very rapid. What was stated by US President Barack Obama some one and a half years back has proved to be sham. He is incapable of taking any decision against the interest of Jewish population of US and Israel. He has not hesitated to oppose the entry of Palestine as a full member of the UN. He has conveniently forgotten his clear statement that no peace is possible in the world without taking Muslims into the equation.
No longer can the moderate Muslims remain silent and suffer. Signs of restlessness are being seen in Egypt and Turkey. Even Israel has shown restraint against the provocations.
No longer is the Eurozone economy safe. Greece, Spain and Italy are suffering. They are actually looking forward to assistance from Asia, particularly from China. Just like the protesters against the iron rulers of the Arab world the unemployed of Israel have also come out to the streets.
Some political analysts are apprehending a disastrous economic depression in US and Europe. As such, they (US & EU) are showing friendly attitude towards the countries considered as enemies by them. Though US desires the safe exit from Afghanistan the new look of terrorism has created difficulties. Pakistan is showing unfriendly attitude toward the US. Though India wants to take advantage from US-Pakistan estrangement, its domestic problems may not make that possible.
Another interesting development is
the recent Indian gesture toward Iran through a meeting of Iranian President Ahmedinejad and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Indiem politics is warming up for the national election in 2014, when Rahul Gandhi of Congress will contest against BJP leader Narendra Modi.
Due to high rate of poverty (about 14% of population) and high consumption of wealth by about 5% of the population, India is proceeding toward serious political discrimination. Hindu fundamentalism is increasing, Israeli influence in India is growing and the central government of India is adopting different strategies to withstand the pressures from state governments.
There is economic change along with change in political situations in the world. The US and the western world have to face the challenge of Palestine membership in the UN. Even Bangladesh may be affected by this development.
Throughout the world, the heads of governments are adopting different strategies to tackle the internal politics. They are striving hard to face the challenge themselves as far as possible. It is regrettable that we are looking toward India or USA to solve our economic problems. Whatever may be the limit of friendship, our problems like high inflation, unemployment, deteriorating law and order situation have to be solved by us and not by our friends or neighbours. Despite various odds we have been able to achieve some success, but we can do a lot more if mutual confidence, respect, and tolerance among our political parties can be developed. If that cannot be achieved, we may be heading toward extreme misery.
As per estimate of the World Bank seven of the big powers out of ten would be from South Asia. Around us, China, India, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea would be most dominating.
Bangladesh has almost all the elements needed for controlling international politics. We could, perhaps, become one of the frontranking states in South Asia if we could be more courageous and confident. Our country is passing through economic crisis. In August 2011, the rate of inflation touched 11.29% on point-to-point basis. Food items have the highest rate of inflation — 12.70%.
There seems to be a feeling that Bangladesh election may be won by the party that will be supported by US and India. However, we should not ignore the fact that before extending support these countries would examine carefully the extent of support of the people to the party. Thus, it would be proper for the parties to seek the support of the people first.
The writer is a former Joint Secretary.