A New Beginning

The toppling down of the former government in Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Hasina Wajid, connotes a promising turning point not only for Dhaka itself but also for the entire subcontinent region. Thanks to a host of inescapable factors that contribute to the socio-cultural dynamics of the region, mainly comprising such major countries as Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, the vicissitudes of time have, once again, brought about a seismic shift in the political equation of the three nations, resulting in distorting the misplaced myths that had once declared burying the Two-Nation theory in the Bay of Bengal. Other than resurrecting the ideology of religious nationalism, the emerging political situation in Bangladesh has also opened up a window of opportunity, more particularly for Dhaka and Islamabad to band together, if not as one nation characterized by geographic limitations but as two different countries with a lot more to share with each other than divide and remain disconnected without a logical reason. However, this has to be done by leaving their erroneous past behind.

Of late, marking the 74th death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Bangladesh as the real founder of the nation surprised many in the international community, including Pakistan. Given the bittersweet saga that defines Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, the recent development in the erstwhile East Pakistan suggests the time has come for both nations to rectify past mistakes and step ahead in the right direction for the greater benefit of their people. The historic overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, which has widely been construed as Bangladesh’s “second independence,” may serve a long way in freeing both Pakistan and Bangladesh from their mistaken perceptions rooted in extreme emotions and disfigured facts about each other. The good thing is that the sinister role of New Delhi as the chief conspirator and spoiler in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations is being widely acknowledged. Sane voices are rapidly emerging to forge a new path and build strategic mutual trust through close association and deep cooperation in order to bring both countries together more closely on the basis of cultural exchange, bilateral trade, and visa-free tourism.

The fascist era of the Awami League is now a chapter of the past, and new political leadership in Bangladesh is about to take charge in the next few months. At this critical juncture, it is incumbent upon the Pakistan government to take a step further and utilize every possible means to bridge differences with the help of a well-thought-out diplomatic strategy aimed at making both Pakistan and Bangladesh natural allies for each other through confidence-building measures. It’s never too late to mend. Once separated by the most unfortunate turn of events, an unassailable geographic divide between the two twin nations cannot overshadow the brotherly sentiments that exist deep down inside. A new beginning is awaiting for Pakistan and Bangladesh. This opportune moment should not be squandered at the altar of myopic politics. The pursuit of ‘Joy Bangla’ can only be paved by ‘Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan,’ as this was the most common patriotic chant once resounded in the air of united Pakistan.