PM's visit to Pakistan

From the newspaper reports it seem that the prime minister, her counterpart and leaders, had discussed subjects ranging from political, socio-economic, and diplomatic, investment, trade and commerce, to education etc. The Bangladesh prime minister sought strategic business partnership with Pakistani entrepreneurs in potential sectors including textiles and to help increase bilateral trade to US $1 billion (Ref. D.S. dt 15.02.06). When such visit takes place, it is normal that such discussions are made.

In terms of tangible results the only thing worth noting was that Pakistan agreed to extend scholarship facilities to 100 in place of the present 75 students. This is welcome. But in the context of very good relationship as claimed this is negligible.

The long outstanding issues like division of assets and liabilities and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis were not discussed even on the sidelines. This is really a big failure. The repatriation issue is a humanitarian one and deserved consideration by both sides. It may be mentioned that a few days before the visit, the stranded people had staged a march to Pakistan High Commission to submit their memorandum. The police intercepted that march and in the ensuing encounter several dozen people were injured. In that back drop it was expected that the issues would be raised by the Bangladesh prime minister at least on humanitarian ground as these people have been living a sub-human life for over three decades in shanties and make shift dwellings.

Children, old and the sick are the worst sufferers. Children who are innocent are also not spared from living the very poor life their parents and guardians are living. They are deprived of basic human rights like right to education.

Seminars, symposia for welfare of the children are held but such children are considered something that does not deserve what the other children do. Though Pakistan is mainly responsible for their miseries, but international community, human rights activists and for all the genuine reasons the government of Bangladesh have roles to play. They can press Pakistan to take these people without further loss of time since with every passing day their miseries are multi-playing. And the prime minister's visit was an appropriate occasion to bring home their problems leading to solution at the earliest.

Viewed in the above context, the visit of the PM may not be considered as highly successful since the long pending issues, the division of assets and liabilities and the standard Pakistanis, were not discussed. The prime minister had missed the bus to the advantage of her Pakistani counterpart. Let it be hoped that these crucial issues will be discussed in the next meeting of the top politicians that might be held either in Dhaka or Islamabad or even during the visit of parliamentarians. It was a point that was highlighted during the discussion feeling that the exchanges of visits of leaders would cement the ties between the two countries.

Strengthening the ties is good but resolving the outstanding issues is far better.