Dhaka, Delhi must overcome narrow, parochial outlook

A few people who are privileged and powerful indulge in parochial and partisan conduct for short-term advantages and profits, he said at a roundtable on 'Indo-Bangladesh Relations' organised by Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) at its auditorium in the city.

"The power and privilege is often secured by illegitimate means at the cost of national interest, the overall interest of our people and our long-term future," he added.

Dr Kamal, who attended the programme as the chief guest, also launched a book titled 'Bangladesh-India Dialogue: Vision of Young Leaders' edited by BEI President Ambassador Farooq Sobhan.

Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Veena Sikri, Acting British High Commissioner Stephen J Bridges, Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Maj. Gen. (retd.) Syed M Ibrahim, ambassadors Syed Noor Hossain and Ziaul Shams and journalist and columnist Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury also spoke at the roundtable.

Young politicians should be encouraged to come forward with a fresh mind and psyche of cooperation and friendship, Dr Kamal said, adding that "But such encouragement comes only if we can generate healthy politics which is not dependent on muscle and money and rely on harnessing our people's strength and patriotism to build a better future."

The key to strengthening Indo-Bangla cooperation is to replace the distrust and fear by mutual confidence and affirmation of shared common goal of a better life for all, he said.

The challenges of the coming decades are presented by an expanding population and significant additions to the labour force in search of employment, he said, adding that more employment opportunities can be created through providing investment opportunities within a framework of multi-dimensional regional cooperation.

A multi-modal transport system around the deep water ports could be developed in Bangladesh for the benefit of all, he suggested. "Water resources of the major river basins in our sub-region call for shared use, which is ecologically sound and optimises benefits for the people."

Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri called for more dialogues and interactions between the leaders and people of the two countries to minimise the existing problems.

Farooq Sobhan said the media plays a key role in the relations of the two countries. More interactions should be made with the journalists of both the countries so that they highlight the positive issues, instead of the negative ones, he added.