The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury yesterday said the country needs to adjust its foreign policy with the present circumstances as a new era begins in Asia.

He said Asia is progressing fast in an unprecedented speed. So, the policies of Bangladesh needs to be realigned with the global changes. Otherwise, the country would lag behind, a foreign office press release quoted his as saying.

The foreign adviser said the nation should come out of the clap-trap of donor-recipient relationship, which he termed a legacy of the past.

Dr Iftekhar said, "Perhaps, we do not realise that there is more reverse transfer of resources to those developed countries, who buy from us. We pay many times more in duties to them, than we receive in aid. Our efforts for the easier market access must continue, but the system is unfairly skewed against us."

On the other hand it is the booming economies of Asia that might help shape the future of Bangladesh. Power players of contemporary times are China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India and Gulf states, he added.

The foreign adviser said, "We must be vigorous in strengthening our linkages with these actors and the government has already begun the process and future governments will hopefully continue it."

The Asian countries can help build infrastructures and invest in agriculture and industrial sectors. Contractual manpower exports to these countries are continuing and Bangladesh is earning a huge amount of remittances, he said.

Dr Iftekhar said, "The problem of food shortages could be solved by procurement largely from these nations. Our cultural heritage, linguistic predilections and the great religion of Islam will assist this process."

He said the government must continue to maintain ties with the US and Western Europe. But Russia, Central, South and South East Asia, and Middle and Far East are opening up new possibilities.

The foreign adviser said, "In the spirit of democracy our governments have no option, but to follow the citizens' lead."