Md Jubair: This month will mark fifty years of Bangladesh’s “independence” undoubtedly, it evokes horrors of war for the people of Bangladesh. And over the course of these fifty years, the scars of war and hostility from December 1971, have festered an ambiance of mistrust and animosity between two brother who, once upon a time, gathered (together) under the banner of Muhammad Ali Jinnah to seek their collective independence from the British Raj and Hindu majority of India. Half a century on from the painful events of 1971, Pakistan as well as Bangladesh now have a new generation (youth), who neither precipitated nor participated in the tragic events of that time. And it is pertinent to ask how this new generation, distant by the horrors of the past, can work together towards building a new and lasting partnership in the region. This probability of a new regional partnership between Pakistan and Bangladesh—has recently gained more traction, as Bangladesh crawls out Modi’s fascist Indian camp, and edges towards a stronger alliance with China and her allies.

Triggered by a backlash against Modi’s draconian Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019—which has stripped thousands of Bengali-origin Indians of their nationality, and promises to cast them out of the country—Bangladesh has gradually started to move away from its excessive Indian influence. For the first time since 1971, the news of Indian premier (Modi) visit to Bangladesh was received with hostility and violence. In the lead-up to Modi’s planned trip to Dhaka, earlier this year, riots broke out in Bangladesh, and the resulting clashes between protesters and the State claimed more than 7 innocent lives.

India’s posture of disenfranchisement towards the Bengalis, coupled with aggressive diplomacy and economic cooperation from the Chinese, has opened the possibility that Bangladesh may gradually shift out of the Indian camp, and closer to China and its allies (including Pakistan). In this regard, in March of this year, Pakistan extended its hand of friendship towards Bangladesh, when Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her country on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its independence. Dhaka reciprocated, with Hasina writing that “Bangladesh is committed to peaceful and cooperative relations with its neighbouring countries, including Pakistan.”

This sentiment must now be followed-up with a concerted cooperation plan, by both States as well as their citizenry. Pakistan’s foreign office, in collaboration with other State organisations, must formulate a policy for Bangladesh, which aims to usher in a new age of friendly relations between the two countries. This includes, economic cooperation, business collaboration, student exchanges, sporting events, and reinvigorated tourism efforts. The people-to-people exchange between the two countries, fostered through enabling State measures, will help a new generation of Pakistanis and Bangladeshis (who had nothing to do with the events of 1971) to dispel mutual distrust, and create constructive bilateral exchanges. The commonalities between the people of Pakistan and the people of Bangladesh—which united them under the banner of Muhammad Ali Jinnah—still hold true today.

Yes, we speak a different language. But we believe in the same religion; have common cultural sensitives; foster common dreams of growth; harbour common ideals of a liberal Muslim state; and share a common history spread over thousands of years in the Indian sub-continent. These bonds cannot be allowed to be broken, permanently, because of mistakes made by a generation many decades ago. It is time for Pakistan, and Bangladesh, to move past these decades of distrust. It is time for us to recognise that collaboration and union, in economic and strategic matters, will benefit all concerned.

That, in the years to come, our region will likely serve as the arena of a new Great Game… between East (China) and West (United States). India has already picked its side with the West. But the interests of Pakistan and Bangladesh rest with the East. That our dreams and aspirations, our fears and favours, are tied to this region, and its well-being. And only together—as partners in peace—can we realise our collective dreams.