Reviving Regional Unity: Muhammad Yunus’ Vision For South Asian Regional Cooperation – OpEd
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has recently underscored the significance of revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has long struggled to fulfill its original objectives. In a candid interview with the Press Trust of India, conducted at his Dhaka residence and published on September 6, 2024, Prof. Yunus expressed his desire to see the eight-member bloc—comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—return to its roots and regain its functionality.
Prof. Yunus highlighted that while SAARC was established with high ideals, including fostering regional collaboration and development, it currently exists only in name, with its true purpose diluted over time. “We have forgotten the name of SAARC; I am trying to revive the spirit of SAARC,” he said, stressing that the bloc still has the potential to tackle many of the region’s pressing issues. This sentiment reflects not only his desire to reinvigorate the organization but also the need for a concerted effort from member states to overcome the stagnation that has plagued SAARC for years.
The once-regular SAARC summits, which served as a forum for regional dialogue and cooperation, have not been held since 2016. The last scheduled summit was supposed to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, but it was called off following the 2016 terrorist attack in Uri, India. The incident triggered a wave of withdrawals from other member nations, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. This abrupt halt in SAARC activities has since left a significant vacuum in South Asian diplomacy, contributing to the region’s inability to address shared challenges.
Yunus believes that the revival of SAARC could foster renewed cooperation among its member countries, which is crucial to resolving regional issues. He suggested that a gathering of SAARC leaders during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York could serve as a symbolic step toward this goal. He hinted at the possibility of organizing a photo opportunity with the heads of state from all SAARC nations, an act that would symbolize a collective intent to bring the group back to life. “I will try if all the heads of state of SAARC nations come together and take a photo,” Prof. Yunus remarked, underscoring the importance of visibility in reigniting interest in the bloc.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the UNGA on September 26, 2024. Prof. Yunus expressed hope that he would be able to meet with the Indian Prime Minister during this time to discuss ways to revive SAARC. His willingness to engage with Prime Minister Modi reflects a pragmatic approach, as India, being the largest country in the group, plays an essential role in shaping the region’s diplomatic landscape. Prof. Yunus’s efforts aim to address the perceived inertia within the organization and encourage key leaders to reconsider the potential benefits of cooperation under the SAARC framework.
One of the key points Prof. Yunus raised in the interview was the contrast between SAARC’s stagnation and the success of the European Union (EU). He praised the EU for its collaborative efforts, which have allowed its member states to achieve significant progress on political, economic, and social fronts. “European countries have achieved a lot through the European Union. We have to ensure that SAARC works,” Prof. Yunus stated, pointing out that regional cooperation could drive substantial development in South Asia if given the opportunity to flourish. This comparison highlights the missed opportunities SAARC has faced, particularly as it has struggled to function in the shadow of unresolved political tensions between member states, especially between India and Pakistan.
Prof. Yunus emphasized that the issues between individual countries, such as the ongoing political friction between India and Pakistan, should not halt SAARC’s activities. “If there is a problem regarding Pakistan, other ways can be worked out. But the functioning of SAARC must not stop,” he said. His comment reflects a broader frustration with how bilateral conflicts have repeatedly hampered regional initiatives. By advocating for alternative approaches to managing these conflicts, he suggested that SAARC could continue to operate effectively, even if all member countries are not in complete alignment.
In addition to his focus on SAARC, Dr. Yunus also addressed one of the most urgent humanitarian crises in the region: the Rohingya refugee situation. Bangladesh has been grappling with the influx of nearly one million Rohingya refugees since 2017, following their mass displacement from Myanmar. The crisis has placed immense strain on Bangladesh’s resources, and Prof. Yunus urged both India and China to play a more active role in resolving the situation. He noted that while some countries have taken in small numbers of refugees, the international community must do more to help.
“We need the help of India and China to resolve the issue. Nearly one million people have come to Bangladesh, and now this population is growing. It is putting tremendous pressure on Bangladesh’s economy,” Dr. Yunus explained. His call for regional cooperation in addressing the crisis highlights the importance of collective action, particularly from powerful neighbors like India and China, in pushing for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. He suggested that India’s close ties with Myanmar could be leveraged to facilitate dialogue and negotiate the safe return of the displaced population. “As India shares good relations with Myanmar, we need India’s help in convincing Myanmar to take them back,” Dr. Yunus remarked.
Prof. Yunus’s comments reveal his broader vision of regional unity, where countries work together to address common challenges rather than allowing geopolitical tensions to fragment their efforts. The Rohingya crisis, in particular, serves as a poignant example of the need for collaboration, as it transcends national borders and requires a coordinated response from multiple governments. His emphasis on India and China’s involvement also underscores the crucial role these two major powers play in shaping South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
By drawing attention to SAARC’s dormant potential and the pressing humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus has once again demonstrated his commitment to advocating for regional cooperation. His words offer a reminder that organizations like SAARC were founded with the goal of fostering unity and addressing shared challenges. Without active engagement and leadership from member states, these institutions risk becoming obsolete. The Nobel laureate’s call to action is a timely reminder that South Asia’s path to peace and prosperity lies in its ability to work together—just as the European Union has done so successfully in Europe.
As Dr. Yunus seeks to gather the region’s leaders for dialogue and cooperation, it remains to be seen whether his efforts will bear fruit. His initiative to revive SAARC is certainly a step in the right direction, as it underscores the importance of regional unity in an increasingly fragmented world. By pushing for renewed engagement within SAARC, Prof. Yunus is advocating for a future where South Asian countries can collectively tackle issues like economic development, political stability, and humanitarian crises, thus paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous region.
