Radcliffe Line must be given a final goodbye : Bangla PM eco

A K M Mashiur Rahman, the economic adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Tuesday said that the 'Radcliffe Line' must be given a "final goodbye" as it has created barriers between neighbors and impeded trade and commerce in South Asia.

Isolation is no longer a solution and strong partners are required in the world to work in a larger economic space, Rahman said in his address on the inaugural day of the two-day Indo-Bangla Stakeholders' Meet here.

The Radcliffe Line was the boundary demarcation line between the Indian and Pakistani portions of Punjab and Bengal provinces of British India. It was named after its architect, Sir Cyril Radcliffe.

"The boundaries created by Radcliffe should be given a final goodbye. It is a strong view that Radcliffe should not decide our future. We should treat people across borders as human beings and give them the due respect they deserve," he said.

Rahman said Sheikh Hasina has a very "human view" of politics and diplomacy. It is her policy that as there are people on both sides of the border, their interest that should be considered paramount.

"Wherever there are possibilities, we (India and Bangladesh) should work together," he said.

Rahman asserted that it was Hasina's unilateral decision not to allow separatist outfits to operate in Bangladesh as otherwise it will impact regional cooperation and development of the region.

"The (Bangladesh) prime minister decided that no separatist outfits will be allowed in our country as those who indulge in such activities think only of themselves and not for any country. The moment there is a clash of interests, they will turn against Bangladesh," he added.

The Bangladesh economic adviser said that transit was a major issue for both India and Bangladesh. "We must allow movement for north east Indian states through Bangladesh ... Infrastructure in our country is being improved with the help of India and Asian Development Bank."