
The third Bangladesh-India dialogue for young leaders reaffirmed the belief that good relations between the neighbours would play a pivotal role in working for a stable and constructive environment in South Asia. The discussion sessions organised by Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) in January 2006 brought together Journalists, Academics and Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum from both the countries. This volume presents seven thematic papers, each indicative both of current problems and future opportunities between the two countries.
The present volume is the outcome of two India-Bangladesh Dialogues of journalists which were held on 7-8 September and 30 November-l December 2004 at the BEI. The initiative was the first of its kind inspired by the belief that young media persons hardly carried the burden of the past history (1947-71) of the subcontinent.
Bangladesh has witnessed rising Islamic radicalization, extremism and militancy in various manifestations for more than 10 years. In the aftermath of 9/11, religious militancy has intensified in South Asia. The dramatic rise in terrorist activities in recent years has taken on the form of bomb explosions and suicide bombings generating fear, undermining political stability and hurting business confidence.