Education in South Asian Nations at the time of Coronavirus

The number of student in South Asia is growing. Some countries like Bangladesh have the opportunity termed demographic dividend. Demographic dividend causes a boost in productivity (economic) that happens when there are growing numbers of people in the workforce (the working-age population from 15 to 64) relative to the number of dependents (the non-working-age population - 14 or younger & 65 or older). 

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Political Impacts of Coronavirus on the South Asian Nations

The coronavirus has laid its footmark directly or indirectly on the economic, social and political ground. The pandemic has far-reaching consequences since Covid 19 spreads around the world quickly. Putting every single field is at risk, it has been dominating media headlines. 

At first, top leaders around the world including Donald Trump did not consider coronavirus as a serious matter. That is why USA, Italy and Spain are paying a huge price. In the Game of Throne TV show, John Snow tried to make people believe the danger of white walkers and upcoming long winter but general people did not believe until they saw it.

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Social Impacts of Coronavirus on the South Asian Countries

The lockdown sparked by Coronavirus threatens every livelihood in the world. COVID-19 has altered human interaction and halted human communication. It has caused a disastrous impact on the social and cultural aspects of every mega cities and villages across the globe. It affects not only the GDP/ GNP of a country but also the society and mental health of its people. The affected persons cannot contribute to society properly. 

Being a social creature, it is a huge shock for mankind not being able to visit their friends, relatives and chat. It is predicted that the Coronavirus will change the world permanently and globalization process may compromise. The way COVID 19 is altering the globe: 

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Economic Impacts of Corona virus in the South Asian Countries

The world is now more globalized. The rise and fall of a country can put pressure on the economy of other countries. Coronavirus has a negative impact on everything. The direct effects we can see are on the financial sectors (for example, the remittances, small business and ready-made garments sectors). Some economists suggest that an economic recession may occur across the different parts of the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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International Students Education and Coronavirus

Coronavirus Outbreak in China & Outside China: Impacts on Foreign & Chinese Students’ Mobility 

Chinese Coronavirus hampers international study across the world. For the educational purposes, thousands of international students study and reside in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province of China. Due to the lockdown and restrictions in Wuhan, students from these colleges and universities face a shortage of foods and other important items necessary for their daily life.

Chinese authorities advised all to stay inside and avoid any contact with others to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Foreign students in the area are confined to student dormitories and trying to escape the coronavirus-hit city. International students have shown concerns and panicked. If this condition further deteriorates, the area will be a ghost town. Mohammad Samiul Ahsan, vice president of the Wuhan University International Students' Union is on-call nearly 24 hours a day and working to keep students and officers informed and calm their fears by dispelling rumours. Samiul is an international student from Bangladesh.

However, overseas students have to be extra careful as they may take the virus to their motherland. The USA and Japan started evacuating their people and other developed nations are also preparing for evacuations.

English proficiency exams (GRE, GMAT Test, TOEFL and IELTS) have been postponed in China and it will delay Chinese students’ studies abroad. Universities and colleges around the world are changing plans for new and returning Chinese students. In some cases, Chinese students who are already abroad have been recommended not to go home for holidays. Administrators of different universities have started to cancel exchange programs, conferences and sporting events in China. Moreover, some Chinese students from Wuhan are now unable to get to school in New Zealand. This Coronavirus forces many educational institutions to lower the enrollment of Chinese students. The virus changes the whole education system globally.

The governments and concern authorities around the globe should provide masks and other important items at a minimal price or freely to the hospitals and educational institutes to prevent the virus epidemic or eruption.

Further Reading: 

Corona-virus disrupting international study across the globe

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Indian’s Ban on Onion and Cow Export to Bangladesh & Its Effects

Impact of The Indian’s Ban on Onion and Cows Export to Bangladesh: A blessing or curse

Some say that everything has its positive and negative sides in its own ways. India banned onion and cows export to its friend and neighbouring country, Bangladesh

Consequences of The Indian’s Ban on Cows Export to Bangladesh (Pros & Cons)

The price for cows and other animals has gone high and the people of Bangladesh had to buy meat at a higher price. Since the Muslim majority country, they (90% of BD people) sacrifice halal animals (cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camels) in the name of almighty Allah at the time of Eid al-Adha (locally known as Korbani Eid). During the time of animal sacrifice festival, the price of sacrificial animal remains highest.

Because of the high price and profit, cattle business in Bangladesh has flourished and many unemployed people involved in the cattle farm business. Now it has become an emerging source of income generation for the local entrepreneurs and dairy farmers (small and mid-level businesspersons). Due to the new business, animals for Eid slaughtering stay in stock at a good price and it is a win-win situation for both the buyers and the sellers. 

Bangladesh has now achieved self-sufficiency in animals and it has profoundly reduced cattle imports from Myanmar and India. The meat industry has also prevented virus attack from foreign meat.

Results of The Indian’s Ban on Onion Export to Bangladesh (Advantages & Disadvantages)

The sudden Indian’s ban on onion export has created a crisis in Bangladesh. Because of the continuous demand and price hike, the BD people are trying to consume less onion and avoid onion in food. The restaurants are using onion less and increase the food price.  The government of Bangladesh is mitigating the crisis by importing onion from several countries (Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Myanmar, China) by air and sea. The government also sells those imported essential cooking ingredient through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB – a govt body). Scientists of agriculture universities and agriculture research institutes are also trying to find alternatives. All endeavours to tame the skyrocketing onion price have not seen success because syndicates are taking the advantages of the export ban.

However, raising domestic onion production and becoming a self-sufficient like the country did after cattle ban from India should be the main motto. Bangladesh has unemployment problems and it also has demographic dividend advantages.

Nowadays, not only traditional farmers but also by educated youths involve in commercial agribusiness. In Bangladesh, those who are the actual producer and grower of food are usually poor and uneducated. A revolution is required in the agriculture sector. Our agriculture business will be developed if farmers are well-educated and smart to know modern production and marketing method like in Europe and the USA.

There is no option but to turn these challenges into opportunities and make more businessmen in the country. From meat production to grain cultivation, vegetables and fruits production, smart people should think about it and come forward to do business. Furthermore, the government also needs to motivate the young generation not to wait for govt jobs only but to become entrepreneurs and give others jobs.  We will reduce dependency on every sector if the business is grown and run well.

It must be kept in mind that cattle owners must be stopped to inject harmful substances (injections of steroid, hormone) into animals in the name of fattening. The farmers must be encouraged to utilize composts and green fertilizers in agriculture production.

References:

Challenges of Bangladesh foreign policy

CAA, NRC & its Impacts on BD

Prospects of Current Foreign Policy in Bangladesh

Young entrepreneurs turn to livestock

Bangladesh cattle supply shortage unlikely

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The Major Challenges of Bangladesh Foreign Policy

The Key Challenges of Foreign Policy in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a South Asian country, is located in a conflicted region and peace may be a dream in the area. India, Pakistan and China have an uneasy political relationship and rivalries. Moreover, Kashmir disputes aggravate the bitterness of their bilateral relations. Bangladesh has also unsettled issues with its close neighbours.

To learn more on Prospects of Current Foreign Policy in Bangladesh

Rohingya Issues, Myanmar & Friends

About 1 million Rohingya refugees fled from Myanmar taking shelter in Bangladesh. International communities help to donate money and to provide foods to the refugees but Bangladesh has not received support from its close friends. As Myanmar has a strategic location and lots to give, China, India and Japan are investing in the country (Burma).

Balancing relationship with different countries

Due to the geopolitical advantage, many influential countries are now giving much importance to Bangladesh. The country has to balance its relationship with these big players (US-Rus, China, Japan & India).

Bangladesh aborted Sonadia deep seaport project with China in 2016. India had shown a concern that it would bring China’s direct presence closer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.

Chinese 'debt trap'

A big challenging question is - Is Bangladesh going to fall in a 'debt trap' of China? China and Bangladesh have made numerous infrastructure deals (billions worth). However, some are concern that dependence on Chinese money will force Dhaka indebted to Beijing although these investments promise advantages.

A love-hate relationship with India?

The changes in the government of Bangladesh affect the relations with its neighbouring country India. There is some sort of mistrust and the love-hate relationship between India (the world’s largest democracy) and Bangladesh.

The citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) & National Register of Citizens (NRC): Read more at  CAA, NRC & its Impacts

The sharing of river Teesta’s waters:  Indian PM Narendra Modi has committed on the fair share of Teesta River’s water, but nothing happens.

Border killing: Although India has committed to zero border deaths, shooting and killings, unfortunately, continue at the India & Bangladesh border by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). It is also worth mentioning that the picture of Felani's body hanging on the border fence caught international media attention and created much anger among Bangladeshi citizens. The India & Bangladesh border has been termed as one of the most dangerous borders in the world.

Cows and Onion Crisis: Following the cow trade ban, legal cattle trade from India has shrunk but cow smuggling is increased significantly in the border.

Bangladesh also faced a huge demand and price hike crisis due to the Indian’s ban on onion export to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is trying to mitigate the problem by raising domestic onion production in the future.

Muhorir River & Char: The disputes on settling the boundary along the midstream of the Muhuri River is one of the unsolved issues between the two countries. Despite repeated requests from the government of Bangladesh, India keeps the disputes hanging.

World Bank & the Padma Bridge Project Scam

World Bank (WB) blocked its promised finance for constructing the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project because of corruption conspiracy (2012) among Bangladeshi government officials with the key stakeholders. However, it was told (PM) that Muhammad Yunus stopped WB funding by using his relations with Hillary Clinton (the ex-US Secretary of State).

Money Laundering / Money Flight

Dishonest businessmen in Bangladesh generate capital flights (money smuggling) through opening fake LCs, over & under-invoicing of imports or hundi. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police and law enforcement agencies are trying to prevent money laundering but they have failed.

Drugs and smuggling

Bangladesh has become a supermarket for traffickers who buy the drugs from factories in Myanmar (a hub of ya’ba smuggling and trading) and India at cheap rates and sell in Bangladesh at higher price.

Migration & Remittance issue

Exports of labours from Bangladesh to the Middle East has declined profoundly for multiple factors, for instance: the higher migration cost, limited employment opportunities & promised salaries, violence against women workers, armed conflicts and lack of government initiatives to protect migrants etc. The manpower market is shrinking steadily. 

Terrorism and Extremism

After the attack on the Holey Artisan cafe in Dhaka (July 2016), a deadly extremist attack, there was a fear of growing extremism in Bangladesh but it has not happened thanks to the present government of Bangladesh. To stop terrorism and extremism, Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) and Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) have been established.

Imbalanced International Trade with China And India

Shortage of Bangladesh Diplomatic Missions Abroad

In foreign policy, friends are often changeable and there is no permanent friend or foe.  Only self-interest is constant (the real thing).

What should Bangladesh do?

Will BD make good friends with the influential countries who can help the country (without increasing enemies)?

Further Reading

Prospects of Current Foreign Policy in Bangladesh

CAA, NRC & its Impacts on BD

Bangladesh is benefiting from the China India rivalry - how ?

the daily star news

Reuters: Myanmar Rohingya Bangladesh drugs

DU demand justice over border killings

Bangladesh India boundary conference

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Impact of CAA & NRC on India’s Neighbour Bangladesh

Effects of CAA & NRC on India’s Neighbouring country Bangladesh  

Neither the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) nor National Register of Citizens (NRC) was blocked in India. Bangladesh may face negative consequences from these acts. These laws will grant citizenship to people from non-Muslim communities (religious minority - Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian faiths only) fleeing persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The new system violates secular doctrine/ principle of the Indian constitution and discriminates against Muslims. The laws have sparked protests and millions of people come out to roads across India. The ruling Indian government under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is convincing protests and protesters to stop. 

The grave concern is that people who will not prove their claims to Indian citizenship under the laws will flee Bangladesh. They (Muslims & Bengali-speaking people from Assam) have to act so to avoid detention camps. These likelihoods of influx of frustrated people from India has become true since the border guards of Bangladesh has recently detained 238 Indian citizens (December 2019) attempting to escape persecution in India.

In 2019 (December), Abul Kalam (AK) Abdul Momen (the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh) and Asaduzzaman Khan (Home Minister of BD) postponed their visits to Delhi at a time of protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). 

Bangladesh-India relationship under the ruling BJP led govt and the present Bangladeshi (Awami League - AL) Government has now reached “the golden age”. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has told Gulf News during an interview - 

“We don’t understand why they (Indian govt) did it. It was not necessary.”

However, she also mentioned that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is an internal matter of India.

Further Readings
Prospects of Bangladesh foreign policy

nrc caa and Bangladesh

citizenship law in India
Bangladesh Studies

border killings still happening

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