Abstract
In 1997, intense debate engulfed Bangladesh domestic politics over the question of subregional co‐operation with India, Bhutan and Nepal within the South Asian Association for Regional Co‐operation (SAARC). Whilst the political opposition depicted the proposed subregional co‐operation scheme as an Indian ploy to undermine the national sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh, the ruling Awami League viewed it as essential for national economic development. This paper examines the scheme's rationale, maps out the nature of its political opposition, analyses India's position, and highlights Pakistani and Sri Lankan concerns as to the nature of subregional co‐operation in South Asia. It concludes that minimum value consensus between the political parties on fundamental national issues in all SAARC countries, particularly in Bangladesh, and better political understandings between the governments of the region are the prerequisites to make the scheme for subregional co‐operation a success.
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