RELATION BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES CAN’T BE STRAINED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL

Sitangshu Guha: What is happening at this moment with Grameen Bank, Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh-USA relations are unfortunate and undeserved. Dr. Yunus is a Noble Laureate and a respected person, but not above the law. No individual is above the country and relation between two countries can not or should not be strained for any individual! If that happens, that would be most unfortunate and painful for the people of the respective countries. Relationship between Bangladesh and the United States is excellent and is based on solid foundations such as democracy, people to people contact, denial of space for terrorism, trade and commerce, counter terrorism co-operation, global climate change co-operation through multilateral steps, Diaspora, and education. As Mr. James Moriarty, US Ambassador to Bangladesh since 2008 summed up the relationship of the two states as “democracy, development and denial of space for terrorism”, called 3-D. During the recent visit to Bangladesh, Robert O’ Blake JR, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South  and  Central Asian Affairs echoed the same and told that throughout his visit he was reminded of “the strong progress Bangladesh had made across a variety of fronts; economic development, counter terrorism and regional partnership”. Secretary Blake also noted, “Bangladesh is one of a selected few countries in the world that is partnering with the United States on the four Presidential initiatives; Global Health, Food Security, Global Climate Change and engagement of Muslim Communities”.  However, in a press briefing in American Club, he was reported to be said that, “If there is no compromise on Dr. Muhammad Yunus it will have an effect on bilateral relations”.
Mr.  Blake’s’ comments on Prof. Yunus prompted many to believe that this was his personal opinion (He was present today, 28th Mar 2011 in Bangaldesh Embassy Washington D C Independence Day Event). Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s removal from the position of the Managing Director of the Grameen Bank is an ordinary internal issue and should not be a defining factor of the long standing Bangladesh-US relationship. It is customary in a democratic country that nobody, even a Nobel Laureate, is above the rule of law.
In a similar vein, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Mr. Akramul Qader during a recent visit to Bangladesh also expressed the same opinion. In an interview with the ‘Daily Samakal’ he told that, an individual cannot be a determinant factor in so far as the relationship between the two countries is concerned. He added that, the relationship between two countries has grown over the years based on a mutual trust and respect as we have been working together very closely on many issues of different aspects. The Ambassador said the present existing relationship between the countries is excellent. He believes the relationship would not be affected on an individual personal issue.
The action of the government of Bangladesh strictly followed the provisions of the relevant rules regarding tenure of service etc., and in no way contradicts any law. Then why all these criticism? What is the headache for? But, because there is headache, it reminds us that the dream for 10 years in power or ‘minus two’ theory still exists in somebody’s noble head!
Columnist, NY