The New Nation - Internet Edition

Dr. M. S. Haq

It now appears from a UNB-Dhaka report carried by a Bangladeshi English daily - The New Nation - on 02nd day of July 2008, Bangladesh has not yet been able to decide on matters pertaining to recognition of Kosovo. Despite persistent diplomatic maneuverings by US Ambassador James Moriarty and others, it also appears the move towards recognizing Kosovo by Bangladesh is restricted by factors associated with "perceived national interest" - according to the country's foreign affairs adviser.

Kosovo like, Bangladesh achieved its independence through, among other things, the horror of war, sacrifices, deaths and destructions - relative to time, space and other variables, though. The people of two countries share inter alia certain common interest, values and expectations in an ever competitive, progressively re-integrating, increasingly resource-starved (in particular, usable resources) and continually uncertain universe. Decisions pertaining to recognition of Kosovo are not, at this point in time, an uncommon matter because a number of powerful and influential countries of the world have already accorded recognition to Kosovo.

Taking into cognizance above and other considerations, it is not clear - at the moment - to ordinary people of Bangladesh (I mean, to whom it might concern) as to how and to what extent the recognition of Kosovo by Bangladesh could affect the country's national interest.

Is it the fact, the country does not want to create a strain in the existing relationship between say, Bangladesh and Russia - via according recognition to Kosovo - at the time when prospects for communist re-grouping are, in a sense, seemingly brightening? Is it the fact, the army-supported government is not presently in favor of taking a decision on the Kosovo matter due to say, possible constitutional disabilities associated - either directly or otherwise - with it (I mean, the Kosovo matter) or due to geo-political factors and considerations - both existing and emerging - attached to decisions of above nature or both?

Is it the fact, Bangladesh has started directing its policies, programs and efforts towards for example, repositioning the country in emerging global power matrices in a more constructive and futuristic fashion? Is it the fact, the army-supported government prefers to leave the matter to the next parliament for decision? What will be the status of country's comparative, competitive and other advantages and disadvantages - both existing and potential - if it recognizes Kosovo at this point in time?

Those are among a few questions pertaining to Kosovo's recognition. It is expected the army-supported government, the media (print, electronic, other), civil society (those concerned), intellectuals - think tanks, and the concerned others will assist the people of Bangladesh in the effort towards taking and implementing - in an informed manner - the right decision at the right time and cost about Kosovo.

It is also expected Ambassador Moriarty and the concerned others will not hesitate to share, as required, their views and justifications concerning recognition of Kosovo with Bangladeshis in a more open, and clearer fashion. Let us now explore collectively and meaningfully the Kosovo case for a mutually beneficial decision - I mean, beneficial to say, Bangladesh and Kosovo - in not too distant a future.

The last word: Bangladesh should not forget - it went through, immediately after the independence in 1971, situations and experiences that were same or similar - either in part or in full - to those of Kosovo, the country is facing now. Good luck to all.