The New Nation - Internet Edition

The global peace index (GPI), an independent UK-based think-tank, in its report of 2008 has rated Bangladesh as the most peaceful nation in the South-East Asian region. The people here note this with pleasure and are happy that the GPI has been able to reveal the intrinsic nature and character of the people here.

With GPI a group of excellence the 'Economist Intelligence Unit' was associated in conducting the world survey. Economist intelligence unit consists of a group of economists of the world famous newsmagazine 'The Economist' of London. The world community rates The Economist and its intelligence unit very high. We have regards for them.

The GPI ascertains the position of a nation on 24-point criteria. Some of the criteria are: relations with neighbours, arms sales, political participation, foreign troops deployment, crime rate, prison population, hostility towards foreigners or private property and potential for terrorism within its borders. These are some among many others, and on this criteria Bangladesh has been found to be the top peaceful nation in the South-East Asian region.

Bangladesh people are peace loving and God fearing. They love to lead a peaceful life with their limited means abiding by the directions and teachings of religion. They have deep regards for long cherished human values and finer qualities of life.

What is true is that we have earned a bad name also for the fact that the country has been most unlucky about political leadership. The weak and incompetent political leadership was thrust on the nation by tragic circumstances. Such leaders' weakness was exploited by the greedy but ambitious ones. In the name of politicisation corruption was given a free reign in every sphere of the national life. Where corruption is rampant violence and anarchy ensue. In the process nation suffered image problem notwithstanding admirable qualities of the general public. Some NGOs, have also been over-active to tarnish the good name of the country. These bodies were found too eager to paint Bangladesh as an Islamist terrorist country.

Most unfortuneately, efforts were made to show connection with al-Qaida.

This cannot be denied that politics became too violent in the country. But it was most unfair to blame whole nation to be in the situation of a failed state.

The country is still grappling with the political crisis created by bad politics. The task ahead for introducing good governance for a just and orderly society is not going to be easy. But our good people deserve peace and democratic good governance.

We only hope that right international cooperation will be forthcoming. Such cooperation will mean proper understanding of the present crisis and not wrong kind of meddling in internal affairs.