Haunted by ghosts of the past

The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been influenced by shadows of the past. The relationship between the two countries has always been influenced by the fact that Bangladesh was once a part of Pakistan. Alleged war crimes, emotions about the 1971 war and blames of interference have been akin to skeletons in the closet for the two countries. It seems like unsettled scores are still haunting the bond even after the passage of 40 years.

In the latest row between the two nations, Pakistan expelled a Bangladeshi diplomat for alleged involvement in activities not compatible with her diplomatic status. Not much detail is known about the diplomat’s activities, but a point of view exists that Pakistan's action might be a reaction to the move when Pakistan had to recall one of its diplomats from Bangladesh at Dhaka’s request last month. The development will only further strain relations between the two countries.

The absence of Pakistan’s ministerial delegation at the sixth South Asian Conference on Sanitation in Dhaka has raised questions about the next foreign secretary-level talks between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The tensions are also obviously linked to the differences that exist between the two countries over recent executions in Bangladesh in connection to the 1971 war.

Although diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, established in the mid-1970s, have witnessed no major conflict in the past 40-odd years or so, the flow has not been smooth either. Both countries have a common history. They share a past and the fact is that this past cannot be changed, edited or erased and is certainly not a great place to linger around. But it is also a past that is difficult to forget. The future, however, has great possibilities and can be made better.

There is no definite formula to strengthen a relationship and keep it going. Every association has different dynamics and hence strategies have to be adopted accordingly. Quitting is easy and should not be an option.

The concerns of both Pakistan and Bangladesh need to be addressed in an environment which is less hostile. Ties between the two countries need to improve despite there being tensions. Hopefully, this rough phase will end soon because there is no gain to be made by either side if bilateral tensions continue.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2016.