STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Pointing out the critical position of Bangladesh in global geo-politics, veteran diplomat turned academic from Singapore, Kishore Mahbubani, yesterday said while most of the countries have to deal with China and the US in their rising rivalry, Bangladesh, unlike others, has to deal with three major powers -- India, China, and the US.

“I have no doubt that Bangladesh will have difficulties and challenges managing the present contest between China and the US. Because you want to have good ties with both, and of course, very good relations with India,” he said.

He was the main speaker in a discussion on “Emerging Asian Nations in Global Geo-Politics: Implications for Bangladesh” organised by Cosmos Foundation at a hotel in the capital.

He said it will be better for Bangladesh to handle the US-China rivalry if it can speak at a forum like the ASEAN. It is, however, hard for South Asia because the SAARC is not as cohesive as ASEAN. This creates a challenge for this region.

“The role of India is critical. Though it has come closer to the US by joining the Quad, it can still take independent position as in the case of Ukraine. India can play a positive role in the growing tension between the US and China now that it is the chair of G-20.”

Former and current diplomats and dignitaries participated in the discussion.