Neutrality may not be always preferred path: Shahidul Haque

Shahidul Haque, Former foreign secretary

Dhaka, Mar 8 - Former foreign secretary Shahidul Haque on Tuesday said Bangladesh's position on Russia-Ukraine issue is so far "neutral and fairly balanced" but it might require a review in the coming days seeing the situation. 

"Neutrality may not be always the preferred path," he said as he felt necessity for revisiting the policy as when it is required. 

Haque was addressing a seminar titled "Russia-Ukraine War: Whose Profits and Whose Losses?" organized by the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance at North South University. 

Brigadier General (Retd) Sakhawat Hossain, Dr. Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dr. Helal Mohd. Mohiuddin, Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Raheed Ejaz, Diplomatic Correspondent, Daily Prothom Alo and Dr. Ishrat Zakia Sultana, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University took part in the discussion moderated by Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director, CPS and SIPG, North South University.

The former foreign secretary said, "global military complex" will be the most beneficiary of the Russia-Ukraine war while everyone will be affected more or less.

Haque thinks Bangladesh is still seeing how the war situation is evolving and it has taken an "interim" position. 

Haque, also a fellow at South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance, North South University, said the UN Charter was created for peace but it is not functioning. 

He said the war is not far away from anyone, no matter where it is happening as economic issues matter. 

Sakhawat Hossain said war is war and it always comes with brutality. 

He said the war was imminent as President Vladimir Putin gave warning repeatedly.

Hossain said the western media has won in the "propaganda war" so far though it is not clear yet the overall consequences if the war prolongs. 

The speakers also talked about the role of Bangladesh media outlets. 

They highlighted the economic impacts on Bangladesh as the country is deeply engaged with Europe on economic front. - UNB