Those visits

By A Mahseen, Dhaka
17 June 2004, 18:00 PM
. PHOTO: AFP
As a newspaper reader, I still cannot fathom out the sudden trips of the Bangladesh foreign minister to New Delhi, and the urgent necessity of the high-profile and extremely busy US Defence Secretary to agree to visit Dhaka. What's the game?

The visit to New Delhi was too abrupt, too early, and premature (diplomatically); before the new regime was given some time to settle down. There was nothing so urgent to discuss. Bangladesh was the first official visitor from the neighbouring countries (Saarc). What is the visible output, for immediate use, by either side?

Why the US Defence Secretary's personal and physical presence was necessary in Dhaka for a few hours, even if Dhaka was near the return flight route?

What the press was told was the usual PR and diplomatic snack food. There might have been pointers in the background, not yet ready for public announcement. Was Dhaka politely advised to follow a certain line?

The lack of political unity at the national level is very much visible in Dhaka, which the foreigners cannot miss. It is rather tempting to try some divide-and-rule policy by some vested groups, local or foreign (it is a standard practice).

It is hoped that our press media would offer some leads in the analytical reports appearing in the newspapers.