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Strengthening Saarc

31 July 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Engr. Mohammad Ariful Islam Tangail
31 July 2005, 18:00 PM
This is in reference to Mr. Zia Uddin's letter on 13 July. For the sake of debate, his observations may be true, but I must admit that Saarc has no other alternative, and it's not possible to go on alone in the modern world. If we leave Saarc, leave the USA and other western countries, leave India on various excuses, then how can we remain afloat? We've to handle the bilateral issues cleverly and sustain good relations with other countries. People should be active also.

We've to find ways and means to strengthen Saarc in the present situation. The principle of living alone has no value in our times.

We have problems with our friends every day. But we usually quickly resolve those problems in the interest of friendship. At present , we've to think of strengthening the relations among Saarc countries. We must also build institutional capacity.

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To my mind, the following steps may be taken:

Empower the Saarc Secretariat for smooth and efficient functioning by the Secretary General. Create certain new posts: Director of SGO, Internal Auditor, Protocol Assistant etc.

The Secretariat may also be better off with a Public Relations officer (PRO) to project the achievements of Saarc in the region and outside world. The Secretariat should aim at speedy and effective implementation of the decisions and plans.

Increase people-to-people contacts: Introduce a visa-free regime; facilitate intra-regional tourism, improve the communication infrastructure and transport; develop telecom network; cooperate in the education sector and ensure exchanges in the fields of sports and culture. These would contribute significantly to promoting people to people contacts in the Saarc region.