Dr Debapriya on “Just Peace” in South Asia and metamorphosis of Indo-Bangla relationship

Dr Debapriya began by emphasising the need for ‘Just Peace’ rather than ‘Positive Peace’. He maintained that if you do not have “just peace” within your own country, then you cannot have it in cross-border relations either. He argued that, if there is no respect for human rights, evidence-based discourse, space for public reasoning and opportunity to solve social and political conflicts through peaceful means within a country, then harmonious relationships should not be expected in cross-border issues.

Dr Debapriya pointed out that a country’s external overtures are essentially an extension of its internal policy. The major reason why SAARC has become dysfunctional is because democratic polity has been diminished within our respective countries.

Dr Debapriya in his intervention underscored the need for a shared framework for regional cooperation. One of the basis for it could be our collective allegiance to the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, which allows space and voice to all stakeholders. A second element could be the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” as it is a handy mechanism to regenerate the South Asian spirit of regional cooperation.

Finally, Dr Debapriya opined that for South Asia, its historical past is now more of a “baggage” and our "asset" is our shared future. However, with the upcoming 4th Industrial Revolution and technological advancements, he wondered who would take up leadership in this regard. He held that the emerging youth community in our respective countries, who are much more globalised and outward looking, would lead the future and build a “new” South Asia.

In response to a query, Dr Debapriya reckoned that the Indo-Bangla relationship is undergoing a metamorphosis and it has obtained three major achievements in the recent past, namely the Ganges water treaty, the land boundary treaty and uprooting of cross-border terrorist elements. However, there remains a strong perception in Bangladesh that India has not adequately reciprocated to our needs. On this, Dr Debapriya mentioned two outstanding issues such as stopping border killings and signing of Teesta Water Treaty.

Looking ahead, Dr Debapriya said that the future of Indo-Bangla relationship lies in giving shape to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), between the two countries.