***Amb. M. Humayun Kabir, retired Career Diplomat and Vice President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institue and Professor Amena Mohsin, Dept. Of International Relations, University of Dhaka, give their reaction to The Daily Star on the Times Now report suggesting possible stationing of the US 7th Fleet in Chittagong and new military strategy of the US which will see the majority of US warships move to Asia-Pacific by****

I think the report of the Indian TV channel is baseless as the Bangladesh Government and the US ambassador to Bangladesh denied the report out rightly. The US shift to Asia- Pacific is not quite surprising. Few months back, the layout has been announced by the US President, Barak Obama, and now the defence

secretary has identified it as specific item. 40% of the US warships are already in the Asia-Pacific and they will add 20% more. Hence, I do not see that what he is saying is something very new. It is just to build up on what Obama have said during his recent visit to Asia.

Since the economy is shifting towards Asia, and three major economic powers are growing here: China, India and ASEAN, so US interest in this area is natural. By the same token since the economic activities are increasing and every country is dependent on each other I think there is no scope of creating unnecessary conflict between the great powers. Cold War was exclusive to each other. Now the global relationship is based more on the inclusion. For example, if you look at China-US relationship, there are tendency of contest, but at the same time they have large area of collaboration.

The same thing is true for Bangladesh. China is economically connected to us and our neighbour. At

the same time, the US is our business partner and security partner. So, for us, it is a challenge but opportunity too.

We, the small countries, will always seek for more collaboration, more minimisation of conflict potentials and in some cases we can work for some kind of balance between both sides like reducing their potential of conflict and creating cooperative environment. We can work as a bridge between the contending parties. I think this will be a very important role for Bangladesh. How do we tackle it depends on our ability and capacity to navigate through this diplomatic new environment. We should understand our priorities and then find out a common ground where we can bring both the contenders together and say what they can do for the overall development of the regions. Norway can be a good example for Bangladesh which has been promoting peace in different conflict areas. Bangladesh can create a niche like that as we have been working for the promotion of peace regionally as well as globally. We have a good record of working as a peaceful country. Our diplomats have to be very sophisticated. Commitment from the political elites is also very important. If we fear to deal with the big powers then we will miss the opportunity. If you keep on moving then you will be able to manage the situation. If we remain static then nobody will come to us. We have to be more dynamic, more proactive, and engage with the major players.