There is more to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,
than heavy rain, cheap commodities and George Harrison
by Jan Freidun Taravoh 30th of november 2009
Introduction:
In the West, what is generally known about the People’s Republic of Bangladesh? I tend to think that when most people think about Bangladesh, they think of either A) Heavy Rain, B) George Harrison's world famous charity concert in the 70’s and C) Poverty and Under-development
But there is certainly more to this fascinating country than the above.
I personally became more familiar with Bangladesh as a follower of the Look East policy of The Zimbabwean Government. Under the auspice of this progressive foreign policy the two independent nations have founded a dynamic partnership in many fields of society development. Like Zimbabwe, The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is an independent republic. (an independence that was achieved after years of protracted struggle.). Infrastructure wise it is also mainly based on agriculture and as the 16th paragraph of the constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh states “The State shall adopt effective measures to bring about a radical transformation in the rural areas through the promotion of a agricultural revolution, the provision of rural electrification, the development of cottage and other industries, and the improvement of education, communications and public health, in those areas, so as progressively to remove the disparity in the standards of living between the urban and the rural areas”
Addressing the UN. General assembly last year, the People’s Republic’s then Chief Advisor in government Dr. Fakhuruddin Ahmed, (former central bank governor of the Bangladesh Bank) reached out to the world community with the following message:
“Bangladesh in the midst of a profound change, that we believe is highly relevant to people all around the world, especially those fighting corruption poverty and under development. As with any progress of change it is not without setbacks, and will take time to complete but in the end, we remain confident of our success. Our goal is to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh”
“In the end we remain confident in our success” now take special note of this because my point is this: the general perception of Bangladesh around the world can no longer remain that of an “Orphan country” of a people unable to make it’s own decisions.
The Non alignment movement recognise the country as an equal member of the multilateral organisation founded on the principles of respect and peace, and co-operation based on mutual benefit.
Considering the above it’s strange how the rest of the world, still tend to look down on the country and it’s people for no apparent reason.
The colonial perspective remains in the west
- but the Government of the People’s Republic have other plans
Here in the west the country Bangladesh is known more or less only for the supply of fabric, fabric which is bought by western companies way under the actual value of the particular product - and it’s a shame really. The western government strive to make the people’s republic dependant on exports and foreign trade, but the Government of The People’s Republic have other plans.
Recently at The World Food summit in Rome (mid November 2009) the Government of the People’s republic issued a statement as presented by Her Excellency the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Honourable Prime Minister spoke with sincere clarity when she said.
“Only food production alone can guarantee food security, available food must be accessible particularly to the marginalized and vulnerable. For which an equitable and fair food governance system is required at both national and international level.”
Her Excellency the Prime Minister also pointed out: “ We are striving for fair prices for the farmers and removing bottlenecks in the marketing chain”
in the speech presented by The Hon. Prime Minister effective criticism was also launched at the developed countries concerning the handling of the financial crisis of global capitalism.
“If developed countries could provide trillions of dollars to save collapsed financial markets, should they not feel an obligation to feed the starving millions?”
Speaking with clarity also on the effects on climate change Sheikh Hasina made a clear statement showing that the People of Bangladesh are not to be looked down upon, quite the contrary they are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the social development of the world at large.
considering the long and diverse experience in agricultural development that exist in the nation - the people of Bangladesh have the means to play an active role in working for sustainable development and food security, on the national level as well as on the international level.
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is not a colony
This should be fully recognised by the international community, and Western countries must realise that The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is not a colony or a free market open for exploitation by multi national companies who seek only to acquire cheap commodities for selfish reasons.
The leaders Western powers and leaders of the Western business community thus have a moral obligation to endorse fair trade in the region, and must trust that the people of Bangladesh themselves can decide for themselves which socio-economic measures are most beneficial in order to achieve social progress, and sustainable development in the long run.
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state and must accordingly be treated equally within the international community and thus receive the same amount of respect any country deserves whether big or small.
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