“Connectivity” or “Regional Connectivity” is the words which are more familiar in Bangladesh in recent times. Especially when Bangladesh is on the verge of signing an agreement of signing a treaty over the issue of ‘Transit” with India this idea of connectivity has become more and more vibrant. Though a mutual treaty, but Bangladesh is demanding to transform it into a multilateral agreement by including countries like – Nepal and Bhutan. And during recent visit of Bhutanese king during our Independence Day significant progress were made over this issue.
Though this particular issue has somehow reduced the limelight of proposed “Asian Highway”; but it is something that represents even bigger prospect for Bangladesh as the road connecting 23 countries through proposed Asian Highway network.
The proposed deep sea port is also opening up the prospect of connectivity as it might be accessible for whole region. Neighboring countries like Srilanka has created a deep sea port in recent times and so far it has been a success story. That might prompt Bangladesh to push this plan forward. By utilizing these opportunity eloquently Bangladesh might turn into a hub of connectivity.
But it’s a country that is suffering to construct necessary infrastructure for the internal demand. In this situation if given access of connectivity then it will be worse and might cause a negative impact. So, the necessary infrastructure should be build before giving any such access.
What is the ultimate benefit of connectivity? How one can resolve the issue of Sovereignty vs Connectivity? Will the extended connectivity result in an expansion of drug trafficking and illegal trade? These are some questions which ultimately come into play. Many uses this issues as an argument against connectivity. It is unlikely to enjoy benefit only through a policy. Especially when it comes about the question of issues like this one got to take all the aspects into consideration.
Connectivity