Politics a major challenge for regional connectivity

A frequently used strategy in every connectivity project will not work accordingly. It depends on trust among all parties involved and mutual benefits. Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque made this remark on Sunday while presenting the keynote paper at a symposium, “Bangladesh and Regional Connectivity,” organised by Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA). The foreign secretary said politics and mistrust are major challenges to functioning regional or sub-regional connectivity. Time will be needed to achieve in this region what the European nations have achieved. Many initiatives have been ruined due to noncooperation by a country, he said. Distinguished Fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue Dr Mustafizur Rahman said connectivity has to be used as a wider part of development. Bangladesh can achieve all its Sustainable Development Goals if it uses connectivity in a win-win manner, Dr Mustafizur said. Transport connectivity translates to an economic corridor – the movement of goods, services, and people – which can turn our comparative advantages into competitive advantages, he said. Honorary Director of BILIA Dr Shahdeen Malik hosted the symposium which was presided over by former ambassador Ashfaqur Rahman. Chairman of Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies Munshi Faiz Ahmad also took part in the discussion.