BIMSTEC not an alternative to SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) still limps along 30 years since its inception. The predicament of this regional body was recently magnified further, with the India-Pakistan border conflict leading to the suspension of its 19th summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
Under the circumstances, certain quarters see the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as an alternative to the SAARC. The apprehension created by such perceptions was dismissed by Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in an interview given to an Indian daily, The Hindu.
She was asked if BIMSTEC could be a success, given the inert condition of SAARC. Sheikh Hasina replied that SAARC was an association of South Asian countries as it remained intact as before.
The SAARC was formed in 1985, comprising Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Afghanistan later joined the group. BIMSTEC was formed in 1997, for the development of the countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal. The prime minister correctly said, “I do not see one organisation as the alternative to the other.”
The prime minister also explained why Bangladesh has withdrawn from attending the SAARC summit this year. She said the present circumstances were not conducive to the summit. Also, Pakistan was interfering in the trial of the war criminals which was unwarranted. India had boycotted the summit due to terrorist activities along the Kashmir border. She urged India and Pakistan to maintain peace along the Line of Control (LOC).
As the initiator of SAARC, Bangladesh will never want to see its demise. The leadership of certain countries may gain an upper hand if SAARC stagnates, but it is the common people who will lose out. Regional cooperation must not be stymied by the conflict between two countries.
There may be sub-regional alliances within the SAARC framework, but there is no alternative to keeping SAARC alive and active. The sooner the South Asian leaders realise this, the better.
