S Asian Task Force should be under SAARC framework

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said the proposed South Asia Task Force should be formed in a comprehensive manner and within the framework of SAARC.

They said an extensive discussion in parliament and weighing up of public opinion are important before finalising any deal on forming the said Anti Terrorism Task Force in South Asia (ATFSA).

They also said that if the proposed task force was formed bilaterally with India and without consultations with other SAARC countries then it might bring threat to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

They also called upon the government not to reach accord on transit with India hurriedly and evaluate the issue thoroughly.

Their observation came at a round table on “Task Force in South Asia: Bangladesh Security” organised by the Sato Nagorik at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Dr Mahbub Ullah, department of Economics, Dhaka University (DU) presented a keynote paper in the discussion, which was moderated by former energy adviser Mahmudur Rahman.

Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, former vice chancellor of DU was in the chair while former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice Md Abdur Rouf addressed the roundtable as chief guest.

The function was also addressed, among others, by Prof Md Khalilur Rahman, department of Bio- Chemistry, DU, Dr Sadrul Amin, former president of Dhaka University Teachers Association, Shah Abdul Hannan, former secretary, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Editor of the New Nation, Maj Gen (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Masood Aziz, ndc, former Ambassador, Poet Abdul Hai Sikder, Prof Razia Akter Banu, department of Political Science, DU, Dr Sheikh Toufiq, North South University, Engineer S M Fazle Ali, Advocate Khurshid Alam Babu and Shamsul Huq Jewel.

Mahmudur Rahman said India wants corridor in the guise of transit from Bangladesh to transfer goods and military hardware to seven sisters in the northeast to curb militancy. He said a section of people are now vocal for giving transit to India for their pretty interest.

Mentioning all previous bilateral accords with India that have not been implemented properly, Dr Mahbub Ullah suggested settling all existing problems including proper share of Ganges water, reducing huge trade imbalance by allowing more Bangladesh products to India, demarcation of unsettled boundaries and transfer of South Talpatti island to Bangladesh before reaching any deal with India to form task force.

Citing the issue of South Asia Task Force as sensitive, Justice Abdur Rouf urged the government not to ignore the public opinion before striking any deal with India on important national issues.

Source: The New Nation