The Change World and Bangladesh 2

8/3/2019 The Change World and Bangladesh 2

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A

The change world BriefOnAnd Foreign

Relations

Bangladesh

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SERAJUL ALAM KHAN


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The Changed World and BangladeshA Brief on Foreign Relations

BySERAJUL ALAM KHAN (SAK)

Email: [email protected]: www.serajulalamkhan.co.uk

Published byM.Shakawat HossainRoad 27, House 34

Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1207

Printing Co-coordinatorArju Ahmed

Khondaker Ataul Haque

First PublishedAugust 2007

New English edition

Edited byS.M Rashed Ahmed

(Former Ambassador)Mehjabeen Rahman

(Assistant Professor, Stamford University)

Composed byMd. Fahim Alam Khan

Cover DesignAsif Iqbal

Printed byHelpline

46/1, Purana Paltan, Dhaka-100o

Tel: 7175415, 7170132

Price

Tk. 50 (BDT)

$ 3 (USA)

1.5 pound sterling (UK)
http://www.serajulalamkhan.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.serajulalamkhan.co.uk/http://www.serajulalamkhan.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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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


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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 insteadof 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


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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 andevery 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 nation-

states. 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 withglobalization are giving birh to new socialforces 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 turnenvisages 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 professional-

occupational 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


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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 thesame 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.


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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 regionaland 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 sub-region 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


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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 electedrepresentatives. They are:

a) The professional occupational people elected by the non-

partisan 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 theministers

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


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v. One province must be formed with the ethnic minority citizens. Local

government for the ethnic minority groups around the country should

be established

vi. The Upper House of the national parliament must be comprised of

the representatives of all the provinces.

vii. 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 electedby 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 platformii. 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


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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 thesupervision 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 specialistg. 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


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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 withmuch 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.

Documents

The Change World and Bangladesh 2