An opportunity for us?

The Indian press has already been very critical about their government's decision. All concerned quarters have the same voice. Surely, a bitter reaction from Bangladesh would be the natural instinct: as one Indian newspaper has framed it -- Bangladesh may use the gas-pipeline issue as a tit. But if we want to sound mature and diplomatic, I suppose Bangladesh will need to react cautiously. One of the best news items I found after this postponement was the one on State Minister for Energy: that the proposed gas-line project would be taken ahead, and that he expected the technical meeting to continue as scheduled this February. Such reactions would certainly add value, and reduce bitterness. Such reactions would also portray the image of a Bangladesh, which places right priority on issues. We know that this postponement has caused millions of taka loss, thousands of man-hours going down the drain, not to mention the disheartened efforts, but we also know that this should open up opportunities to take a composed position to benefit from other important issues, such as trade access to Nepal, ease of immigration process, mutual trade and energy links, joint efforts in curbing crime, etc. Bangladesh's loss this time should enable her to stand stronger in future negotiations and diplomatic dealings. "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind" -- we certainly hope that this decision of the Indian leader would this time make Bangladesh smarter, more mature, compared to India itself!

Wishing the very best for Bangladesh from abroad.