Since independence, Bangladesh has made many extraordinary achievements in different sectors including social transformation, economic growth, and political stabilization. With such accomplishments, the country has become a role model to many others, say speakers.
Speakers made the remarks during a lecture series titled “Bangladesh at 50 (1971-2021): Its Contribution to Global Politics” by Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) at its office in Dhanmondi on Sunday evening.
While presenting the keynote paper, former foreign secretary Md Touhid Hossain discussed the geopolitical, environmental issues of Bangladesh since independence.
“After being ravaged by military rule, the newly born democratic country again struggled with political chaos,” he said.
The former secretary also praised the role of the provisional Mujibnagar government as it maintained good relations with India and other countries to ensure support for Bangladesh.
Touhid also addressed Tajuddin Ahmad as “an unsung hero” of Bangladesh. He also mentioned how Bangladesh has set an example on the world stage by giving refuge to the Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds.
Humayun Kabir, former Bangladesh ambassador to the US, said: “We have promoted peace. We have had enough experience of promoting peace in the world as we contribute to the UN peacekeeping missions with a high number of troops.”
“Bangladesh uses soft connectivity power during diplomacy and we still have a role to play in regional politics,” he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University's (DU) International Relations department, said: “Bangladesh does not have any enemies, and this is unique to us.”
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Prof Imtiaz said, “Bangladesh was able to control the [Rohingya] influx in 1970 and 1990. But could not in 2017 since as evidence of genocide committed by the Myanmar Army started to appear.”
He said that democracy was not invented by the Greeks but by the Bengalis during Maharaja Gopal who formed the Pala Dynasty as during his time the ruler was elected by the people.
“As this civilization has a golden past behind it, the country will be able to do well in the future,” Prof Imtiaz hopped.
While addressing the program, Barrister Tania Amir said: “Other countries should provide shelter to some Rohingya refugees.”
Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, director of BILIA hosted the program while its Chairman Barrister Amir-Ul-Islam presided over the session.
