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The change world And Bangladesh

Brief On Foreign Relations

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SERAJUL ALAM KHAN

The Changed World and Bangladesh

A Brief on Foreign Relations By SERAJUL ALAM KHAN (SAK) Email: dadasak1941@hotmail.com Website: www.serajulalamkhan.co.uk Published by M.Shakawat Hossain Road 27, House 34 Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1207 Printing Co-coordinator Arju Ahmed Khondaker Ataul Haque First Published August 2007 New English edition Edited by S.M Rashed Ahmed (Former Ambassador) Mehjabeen Rahman (Assistant Professor, Stamford University) Composed by Md. Fahim Alam Khan Cover Design Asif Iqbal Printed by Helpline

46/1, Purana Paltan, Dhaka-100o Tel: 7175415, 7170132 Price Tk. 50 (BDT) $ 3 (USA) 1.5 pound sterling (UK)

Publishers note This booklet regarding the foreign policy of Bangladesh by Serajul Alam Khan (SAK) gives indication about the future role of Bangladesh as a center point in the South-East Asia and the South Asian region. This is a new kind of theoretical proposition by Serajul Alam Khan. Though he was suggesting such sub-regional cooperation for a long time, it is, I believe, also the right time for implementation. Bangladesh is passing through a period of mid-level economic growth for last 15-20 years. With this new government backed by the Army, Bangladesh is now prepared for a new structural framework in the politico-administration, economic planning, and foreign policy. I hope the readers will find a new dimension through this presentation from Serajul Alam Khan (SAK). SAK has personally told me to thank former UN Ambassador to Kosovo Mr.Rashed Ahmed, a prominent diplomat, and Mehjabeen Rahman, Assistant Professor of English, Stamford University Bangladesh for assisting him in preparing this document.

M. Shakawat Hossain August 2007

The Changed World The cold war is over. The post cold war situation is more complex. If we look around the developmental phases in the last fifteen to twenty years, we will see the evidence of a tremendous socio economic and political change throughout the world. In economic field, led by the United States and Great Britain, capitalism has come out of its age-old laissez-faire characteristics to pro-people capitalism, creating welfare states. On the other hand Russia and China have introduced socialist market economy giving impetus to individual initiatives. As a result of the blending of these two, the whole world economy has under gone a semi-revolutionary change in the societal level of all countries. The uncompromising rivalry between these two economies (capitalism and socialism) is now considered as synthesis for a new kind of economic growth, which is affecting - in a positive way- even the backward countries of Asia and Africa. This is termed as globalization. In the world political scenario the international balance of power based on geo-politics, geo-economics and military strategy one supper power (USA) has taken place instead of the two supper powers: USA and USSR. At the same time these factors have given birth to some intermediary political as well as economic supper-blocks: China, Iran, Brazil, EU, ASEAN, SAARC and CIS. On regional and sub-regional basis these intermediary supper blocks have amassed a strong political, economic, and military power. Thus, we are witnessing a new kind of political polarization through out the whole world. This polarization is mainly concerned about controlling the oil energy. Its not surprising that the future confrontation among the nations and blocks will be more on energy front than that of traditional battlefront. In todays world, competition for acquiring land or industrial power is already replaced by the supremacy of media and Internet. In near future, this battle of supremacy will be shifted to space supremacy. These shifts presuppose structural changes in national, regional, world governments and the attitudes. The post second world war political scenario is changing to more cooperative based globalization with positive and negative effects. Theses positive effects are the unprecedented turn over in trade and commerce throughout the whole world. These

affects are also seen in the shifting of intermediary technology as well as production units (line industry and agro based industry) from the economically developed countries to the developing countries. The negative affects, in the form of devaluation of currencies, are felt by some developing countries; thus we see an uneven balance of trade. Even then we observe a degree of welfare in the lives of common people of the developing countries with the aspirations of further development. As a result, people of every country and every nation are being divided and sub-divided into a kind of social differentiation and stratification. So, we see the formation of corporate bodies consisting of different kinds of professional-occupational people with similar attitude and aspiration.

The world has witnessed different kinds of state hood in different period of history starting from independent principalities (primarily agricultural) to kingships, and nationstates. These political formations were the results of political role of the social forces born I the womb of their mother social formations. Now the nation states along with globalization are giving birh to new social forces in the form of professional-occupational people en mass. So, we see a progressing phase of societal development throughout the whole world. This world societal development is the ultimate result of knowledge based activities like IT, Nuclear Science, Genetic engineering, Environmental Science, Robotics, Military Science, and Space Science.

These newly formed professional-occupational people has not only emerged as unified social force, but also recognized as major political force (nationally and internationally), superceding the political and geographical boundaries. This phenomenon in turn envisages new kind of national, regional, and world governments. The Bangladesh case: With the experience of the global changes, Bangladesh is also changing very fast. Hence, a new kind of structuring and restructuring is in the process: new professionaloccupational groups are working as social catalyst. This is being demonstrated internally and externally through lifestyle, cultural diversity, and even social unrest. Therefore, a new political structural change is just a matter of time. We need a state mechanism that will absorb the will and the aspiration of the social forces through its representation in the political mechanism. Geo-politically Bangladesh is in a very advantageous position. It is located at the center of developing South Asia. Its surrounding countries like ten states of India, Nepal, Bhutan, ad Myanmar have put it into a unique situation to steer up a process of economic advancement that would bring a large market within its hold. This potential can be properly and evenly developed for their respective economic and cultural growth by

forming a regional and sub regional economic zone. This zone will be the sole linkage between Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and other neighboring countries. This geo-economic zone is not only a natural force but also geophysical and military strategy wise a source for regional empowerment in the world scenario. (Map): sub regional economic cooperating groups First of all the proposal is to form an eastern economic zone comprised with Nepal, Bhutan, ten sates of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar north, and Kunming of China. If this zone comes into existence, a tremendous economic boosting along with political and military balance of power will take place. This brings into the opportunity for us to have our own position in the international politico-diplomatic power strategy. Further more, the Sub regional cooperation concept based on transport system, road link, energy, and water is extremely important for this proposed region. Problems based on these issues can have a fair solution through the said regional and sub-regional approach. We have already witnessed some result of these proposal when (July, 2007) Bangladesh, Myanmar have signed bilateral agreement for Highway Link which is supposed to be linked up with Kunming of China. Moreover, our future economic prospect, poverty eradication, cultural exchange and integration depend on this regional and sub-regional cooperation. At the diplomacy level this cooperation can take place on the basis of give and take exchange strategy between the countries of south Asia, especially India, Myanmar and China. At present, in this aspect, there is a huge imbalance in every sector starting from market to media. For a better trade balance strategy each other can complement each other: as Bangladesh is good market for India likewise Northeast India can become a good market for Bangladesh. In this regard, Bangladesh should have the same access to Nepal, Bengal, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Cross border transportation can play a vital role in this aspect, which will not only eliminate fear of cross border security but also create a vast job market through transit and cross border trade and investment. Furthermore this will negate necessity of inter border smuggling. This will open the door for economic solvency. Therefore it is important to have a regional and sub regional approach in to these issues. Other important areas that depend fully upon this regional and sub-regional zone and cooperation are gas and water, media and education. An open dialogue under this regional and sub-regional economic zone can be highly instrumental in reaching to an advantageous position and decision in regard to gas and Water agreement. Media has been an instrumental for cultural influence, in which we lag behind, for some of our neighboring countries. Bangladesh can also exchange its intellectual, educational, and cultural resources so that Bangladesh can establish its neutrality and tolerance in issues like religion, culture, and heritage. A diplomacy that is established under the umbrella of the regional and sub-regional cooperation is the key to all these issues discussed above.

In the diplomacy and governmental level there should be an open mind attitude and approach to these issues. This is the highest time to think how we can promote more cross border diplomacy improve lives, create fair balance in trade and economic circulation, and meeting our own compulsions. If we start thinking on technical, economical issues in respect to regional and sub-regional economic zone, it will lead Bangladesh to a prosperity never thought before. This cooperation stretching from south-east Asia to south Asia and ultimately linking with the central Asian development will develop into a bridge between the East and West, North and South. Therefore the proposal for sub-regional cooperation consisting of Nepal, Bhutan, ten provinces of INDIA, Bangladesh, Northern part of Myanmar and Kunming of China is not just a mere vision but a reality for a very near future.

Conclusion The 1/11 incident in Bangladesh installed a neutral non-partisan caretaker government supported by the arm-forces of the country. This government doesnt carry any political legacy; they have an open mind and chance to keep them outside any political milieu. This has paved the way to bring about drastic changes in the politico-administration and foreign affairs of the country. This is clearly demonstrated recently by the Bi-lateral agreement of Asian High Way, which is to be connected with China through Kunming. Therefore, it is predictable that the hands of economic cooperation of this proposed subregion is not a dream but a reality.

Appendix: The 14-point proposal regarding restructuring of state mechanism and governance forwarded by Serajul Alam Khan SAK: 1. Federal structure governance I. President is the constitutional head of the country ii. There will be a Vice-president iii. Parliamentary form of government iv. Prime Minister will be the Chief Executive v. Upazilla based local government

2. A national Bi-cameral parliament consisting upper house and lower house should be formed i. The Lower House will be constituted with 300 elected representatives ii. The Upper House will be constituted with 200 elected representatives. They are: a) The professional occupational people elected by the nonpartisan platform b) Members elected by the adult women from non-partisan platform c) People (i.e., bureaucrats, security and defense force) nominated by the President d) Representatives from the provincial council e) Members elected by the political parties. This will be done according to the ratio of the vote in national election. f) The president will be the principal of the Upper House g) The longevity of both the Upper house and Lower House will be three to four months 3. A government of national unity consisting all the members of the parliament should be formed i. The Prime Minister will be elected from the majority party ii. The Deputy Prime Minister will be elected from the next majority party iii. Members from the Upper House will constitute the council of the ministers iv. System of Call Back election. v. There will be confidence / non-confidence poll system vi. If in any case any post of the national parliament or provincial council gets vacated then instead of a by-election, members will be elected from the nominated candidates of the delegated political parties

4. Bangladesh should have 7 to 8 provinces i. Every province should have elected provincial Assembly and Provincial Government. ii. Each Provincial Assembly should have maximum 150 elected members iii. In each Provincial Assembly there should a 7-member council of the ministers including the chief minister iv. Ethnic minorities should be given constitutional rights

v.

vi. vii.

One province must be formed with the ethnic minority citizens. Local government for the ethnic minority groups around the country should be established The Upper House of the national parliament must be comprised of the representatives of all the provinces. There should be independent local government in the Upazillas

5. The President will form the non partisan caretaker government from the members of upper house i. The caretaker government will hold the election of the parliament, provincial council, Zilla council, Upazilla council, Pouroshova and the City Corporations ii. All the metropolitan cities will have a metropolitan government under the supervision of central government. iii. The non-resident Bangladeshis (NRB) should have the right to vote. In the Upper House there should be at least ten representatives elected by the in NRBs. 6. A impartial independent election committee should be formed i. Election commission should be a separate and independent body. ii. The secretariat of the Election Commission should be free from the influences of the partisan and non-partisan political organizations iii. Branches of the Election commission will be stretched out to Union 7. Presidential election i. The president must someone from non-partisan platform ii. In Presidential election candidates should be non-partisan and nominated by the political parties iii. Members of the Lower House, Upper House, and provincial council will cast vote in the presidential election iv. The vice-President will be elected through unified decision of the Upper House and Lower House. v. The Vice-President will be the principal of the Upper House. 8. Parliamentarian committee i. A parliamentarian committee to be formed with the embers of the Upper House and Lower House ii. Parliamentarian committee will have more executive power iii. Appointment of the members of the council of the ministers has to be approved by the parliamentarian committee iv. The nomination of the ambassadors of Bangladesh has to be approved by the parliamentarian committee

v.

The parliamentarian committee will approve the Supreme Court, High Court, Anti-corruption Commission, PSC, and National Audit Committee.

9.

National Security Council - NSC i. A National Security Council - NSC should be formed under the supervision of the President ii. The National Security Council will be constituted by: a. The Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the leaders from the opposition parties b. The Chiefs of the army, naval, and air force c. Chiefs of the Police, Bangladesh Defense Rifles (BDR), ANSAR, and VDP d. Chiefs of the national detective branches e. A constitution specialist f. A judiciary/ law specialist g. A Political Scientist of International reputation h. A political technology specialist

10. The Constitutional Court i. A 7-member constitutional court is to be established under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ii. Six constitutional expert retired justices will be the members of this committee iii. Regarding any constitutional confusion, decision of the Constitutional Court will be considered as final decision 11. The National Economic Council i. There will be a national economic council of 900 members from the trade union and professional occupational groups. ii. NEC will forward proposals regarding annual budget implications to the parliament iii. NE will bring forth any proposal regarding national economic development iv. NEC will discuss any logical probability regarding foreign investment 12. A judicial council i. A permanent judicial council should be established in order to give the judiciary system more independent and autonomous status ii. The chief justice of the Supreme Court will be the overseer of this judicial council. iii. The judiciary system will be expanded and established within the Upazilla

13. A sub-regional economic zone under the SAARC i. A sub-regional economic zone under the SAARC must be formed comprising Nepal, Bhutan, ten states of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar North, and Kunming of China ii. Total four economic zones should be established within this sub continent. 14. 13-year program for economic development i. Micro-credit program should be ensured for all poor men and women ii. In every Upazilla there should be one Upazilla Industrial Zone and Municipal Industrial zone. Non Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) investment can be mobilized in this regard assuming that each NRB can invest Taka One Crore ( Two Hundred Thousand dollars). Taka 75,000 crore can be invested by the NRBs. It is assumed that total 75,000 thousand NRBs are able to invest iii. To build a proper infrastructure for the sub-economic zone the first step is to build a Mega seaport. A Super High Way should be built with much careful planning and deliberation. iv. To build the infrastructure of Upazilla Industrial Zone and Pouroshova Industrial Zone, national and foreign joint venture opportunity should be created. v. Concept Social Business should be established and implemented. vi. By 2020 Bangladesh should be modeled into an IT & Technology oriented county. Which we may term as Digital Bangladesh. vii. By 2020, Tk 200,00 should be ensured as the annual income of every citizen of Bangladesh.