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Saarc summit

10 February 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Tariq M. Abd'allah Oakley St. Arlington Heights, IL, US
10 February 2005, 18:00 PM
India's pulling out of Saarc summit is indeed deplorable and unwarranted as described by the Bangladesh foreign secretary. India's decision not to attend simply shows their attitude towards the forum. It is no secret that India sides with a particular political party of Bangladesh and their action simply confirms the fact that their decision was influenced by that party.

Former US president Bill Clinton did not concede to the threat from al-Qaeda when he visited Bangladesh, but the prime minister of India decided to interfere in the internal affairs of a country by aligning with a political party.

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There are many speculations on the last minute cancellation of India PM's tour to Bangladesh and thereby causing the postponement of the Saarc summit. From a purely business perspective, I think Indian businesses have a great deal to lose by signing SAFTA or any free trade agreement with Bangladesh. Once SAFTA is implemented, Bangladesh will be in a better position to overcome export barriers put up by Indian officials-- tariff or non-tariff.

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As far as trade surplus with Bangladesh is concerned, India will benefit from any delay, if possible abolition, of SAFTA or any free trade agreement in the region.

They may not mind some bumps on the bilateral relation for the sake of their business.

Zakaria Khondker Indianapolis, US