2014 most successful year in 4 decades, claims govt

While the government claims that the outgoing year has been the 'most successful' year over the last four decades in terms of widening Bangladesh's ties with foreign countries, a foreign relations analyst says there are still 'uncomfortably' and 'concern' over governance issues.

The government thinks the countries which had sharply criticised the January-5 elections and called for fresh elections ensuring all parties' participation are engaged with the current government and continuing all bilateral activities, while Bangladesh posted election victories in 14 international forums.

"In my evaluation, I can say 2014 is the most successful year in the last 39-40 years after 1974," State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam told UNB.

He said the achievements that have come so far this year are more important than any other achievements made in the past. "Most importantly, we're not defeated in any election in the international forum."

But, Dhaka University International Relations Department Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed said there are still 'uncomfortable environment' and 'concern' over 'governance issues' while the countries like the United States and countries under the European Union (EU) are looking for a participatory elections in Bangladesh.

There was a perception in the political arena that the new Indian government, led by Narendra Modi, would maintain a distance with the new Awami League government.

But, Shahriar said, India is strengthening its ties with the government on all fronts and Narendra Modi's statement that 'Bangabandhu founded Bangladesh and his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, saved Bangladesh' boosted government's confidence.