Comments on: Sonar Bangla: The golden hue in sight

By: G. Kartikeya

G. Kartikeya — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:44:07 +0000

The land of ast Bengal is certainly Sonar, but what about the Hindus living in hell there?

By: Ali

Ali — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:30:22 +0000

An excellent article as usual Mr.Dhar. The development and evolution of the democratic forces in Bangladesh should be seen as test of the ideological model of the Indian democracy being adopted by its neighbors i.e secular, democratic, pluralistic form of governance which, unfortunately, is unique in the Asian hemisphere with a rising China presenting a seemingly successful economic model with limited freedoms. You are right in implying that the indian state should strenghten the hands of the democratic and pluralistic elements in Bangladesh.

I would also like to state that it saddens the heart to hear the tales and comments of the hindu brothers of bangladesh and their sense of persecution. I would like to state that they need not feel disheartened as not only the Hindus but the Muslims of India have the utmost sympathy with them as well. Bleak days like these do not last and as the region develops its dynamism and gets more economically integrated, hopefully the parochial attitudes will be a thing of the past. However. India can only do so much overtly without provoking a backlash against the minorities in Bangladesh and this must be kept in mind. Military conflict and conquest is out of a question, we are already dealing with one big headache in Kashmir with direct reprecussions on our body of politics in the Indian mainland and not too sure whether we want another one (We have seen the Mukti Bahini in action against Pakistan and learnt some lessons from the Pyrdiwah incident, we know what we will be up against after the initial conquest in terms of incessant guerilla war).Our focus is currently on internal security with the Maoists being the main theat apart from the spurt of terrorist incidents here and there internally and China being the primary focus externally with a policy of containment and long term benign neglect for Pakistan.

The best thing India can do is subtly help the democratic and secular forces in Bangldesh and try to couple Bangladesh’s economy with the resurgent Indian economic juggernaut to present a clear contrast in terms of benefits of being on friendly terms with India and this would be difiniely something that the SAARC countries and others will notice as well.

By: tapan das

tapan das — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:09:59 +0000

It is a nice reading article. Bangladesh cannot progress till the pro-Pak forces represented by Khaleda and jamait Islami etc are totally subdued. They are Islamists and do not want traditional Bengali culture to thrive. Hasina has to walk millions of miles to achieve the goals. We support her.

By: Bob Keating

Bob Keating — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:51:45 +0000

A good read. But you have not mentioned Chinese influence on Bangladesh. China is trying to come there in a big way, as also in Myanmar. India should take guard.

By: siva

siva — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:19:26 +0000

Sir comeout to write about the political tamasha over terror.
Mr.Dig vijay Singh has visiting terrorists house and the prince of congress and upcoming prime minister of india is going to visit.

By: Bharat Bandhu

Bharat Bandhu — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:10:32 +0000

Your nostalgia about Bangladesh is understood. But I must say that you have no intention to fight the infidel Muslims. Remember you were driven out by the Muslims and suffered so much. Join hands with Bangla Uddhar Sangathan (Save Bengal Society) to liberate Bangladesh and merge with our Bengal. Why do you still dream about a place where you are not welcome?

By: shubhabrata saha

shubhabrata saha — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:05:22 +0000

Howsoever much we take a positive framework at a people to people level it is known and clear that Hindus have no or little place in Bangaldesh.The Sonar Bangla bit is important from India’s geostrategic point of view and hence Govt of India should not waste any time in reigning in the advantage of a closer political affinity with any purported hegemonistic designs…it is well known that Bangladesh has been largely “Pakistanised” over the last few decades and the poor and marginal which is a large proportion of the population is gullible and exploited by the Talibanised nature of mollah and madrassa operatives.It is also true that a large number of Muslims in the higher echelons of Bangladeshi society have a mindset that is fuedal and based on the greater ummah …their motivated communication has further divided the people.
Pakistan has degenerated into a terrorist state (acknowledged the world over) by its own design.The creation of monsters by the mullah -ISI combine has pushed it into a corner and bedevilled the life of the average citizen in many parts.It has pushed its agenda into South Asia big time with great success in Bangaldesh …..it is time for Bangladesh to understand the threat perspective.
Ruin or success is about people’s welfare and is dependant on sound economics.History is evidence to the fact that Economics and Religious bigotry has never worked hand in hand…it is time for South Asian countries to work on the demographic advantage and a chance to build an economic fortress…India and Bangladesh have a chance with time…encash it with open arms!

By: Arthur Fueller

Arthur Fueller — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:28:46 +0000

I visit Bangladesh frequently. My visit to the interiors convinced me that grassroots economy is looking up. But the minorities are under pressure and they feel unsafe. I had suggested to some Bangla leaders that for them strong economic tie up with India is the best way out for making the country stronger. Some leaders favour the idea. Others are still living under the shadow of Pakistan and partition. I must thank you for the excellent article.

By: Hashim Dulal

Hashim Dulal — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:52:53 +0000

I am impressed by the article. Have you been to Bangla recently. If not, I invite you to spaek at Dhaka Press Club.

By: Dipika Jalaluddin

Dipika Jalaluddin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:01:26 +0000

A very positive article. You have not taken into account improvement in micro economy in the rural areas and emergence of womenfolk as a strong part of our national production. I hope our PM will deal with the Jamaits and militants and BNP pro-Pak goondas firmly. WE want to live as a secular democratic state.