THIS is with reference to the letter `A treaty with China, Bangladesh needed` (Jan 7), which rightly talked about optimising the recent warmth in ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is interesting thatin Bangladesh,there havebeen murmurs in civil circles about having nuclear arrangements between the two countries.

The greatestproponent ofthisnotion is Prof Shahid uz Zaman of the Dhaka University, who had the courage to voice his views at the university, which has historically been a fortress of pro-India sentiments. This idea, if materialised, is likely to benefit both Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Salvaging its position under Pakistan`s nuclear umbrella will, indeed, facilitate Bangladesh`s efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy, free of any Indian influence. It can subsequently restore its sovereignty, especially in the northern region of the country, reducing India`s military footprint in the territory. It will also enable Bangladesh to leverage its strategic position as it lies on the shores of the strategically important Bay of Bengal.

Besides, Pakistan can also emerge as Bangladesh`s gateway to China, enabling them to forge a strengthened relationship of their own. As the government in Myanmar is already on the verge of a collapse due to rampant internal discords, China will need a stable partner in the Bay of Bengal to actualise its String of Pearls strategy, and develop its landlocked Yunnan region.

An economically stable Bangladesh is favourable to take up this role. To add to it, China has enjoyed success at alleviating poverty by lifting nearly 800 million people across the poverty line.

China-led development is likely to be cherished by Bangladesh, a country where around 20 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Such a partnership is likely to mean dividends for Pakistan as well. It will help the country strengthen its nuclear footprint in the region, enhancing its defence capacity to encircle India, which, in turn, will deter India from any milit arymisadventure in the region. Pakistan`s partnership with Bangladesh will also yield economic benefits for Pakistan through improved people-to-people contacts.

It is highly likely that the defence enterprises of the two countries will enter into joint ventures, thereby promoting mutual growth and connectivity.

The Indo-Israel defence partnership is a case in point, where the Indian business tycoon Gautam Adani has signed numerous defence collaboration agreements with Israel`s defence industry.

However, the nuclear non-proliferation rhetoric, endorsed avidly by the West, is likely to emerge as a stumbling block.

It is noteworthy to highlight that this very notion was breached by the West itself on numerous occasions. The recently brokered tripartite nuclear agreement involving Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom is one such instance.

The Indian factor is also an important consideration as it has been treating Bangladesh asits vassalstateforlong.

It will never want Bangladesh to opt for cordiality with Pakistan as that may well enable the former to steer clear of Indian hegemony.

Moreover, the presence of Pakistani artillery in Bangladesh would plunge India into a security crisis, which it would try to avert through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. In such a scenario, the onus would be on Pakistan and China to back Bangladesh. Cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh would be a win-win situation for both the countries.

Dr Aiwaz Ahmed Junejo Islamabad