Maintenance of good relations with the neighbours, friendship to

"Maintenance of good relations with the neighbours, friendship to all, malice to none is the policy I pursue throughout my life." These words spoken by Sheikh Hasina echo with the timeless wisdom of those who understand the delicate balance between peace and conflict, between friendship and enmity. In this statement, Hasina advocates for a life led by the principles of harmony, respect, and goodwill—an approach to life that does not seek to provoke or destroy but instead to nurture and build. Her words speak to the importance of relationships, not only on an individual level but between nations, communities, and people of different backgrounds. She calls for the maintenance of good relations as the foundation of a world where peace and prosperity can flourish.

In the ancient world, the relationship between neighboring kingdoms and states was often defined by conflict, rivalry, and the pursuit of dominance. Yet, even amidst the tumult of war and conquest, there were figures who understood the power of peaceful diplomacy. Pericles, the Athenian statesman, believed that true strength lay in the ability to forge alliances, not merely to wield power through war. He maintained that the prosperity of Athens rested not only on its military might but on its ability to foster goodwill with its allies and neighbors. In his funeral oration, Pericles spoke of the greatness of Athens, not only as a military power but as a beacon of democratic values and tolerance. His vision, much like Hasina’s, was one of peace and friendship between nations, built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than malice or domination.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, who, despite his conquests, understood the value of creating alliances and maintaining relationships with neighboring cultures. He spread Greek culture throughout the known world, but he did so with a keen understanding that it was not enough to conquer; he needed to win the trust and cooperation of those he encountered. Alexander often sought friendship with leaders of foreign lands, adopting elements of their cultures and offering mutual respect. This, too, aligns with Hasina’s policy of fostering good relations, as Alexander sought to create lasting bonds that went beyond mere military victories. Even as a conqueror, he knew that true power was rooted not in the domination of others but in creating alliances that strengthened the foundation of the empire.

The relationship between India and Pakistan offers a more modern example of the challenges of maintaining good relations with neighbors. The history of these two nations has been fraught with conflict, yet there have been moments when both countries have worked to build trust and understanding. Leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto, despite their own country’s political struggles, understood the importance of maintaining a semblance of peace with neighboring nations. Gandhi, in particular, understood that even amidst deep ideological differences, the pursuit of friendship with neighboring nations was essential for regional stability and prosperity. These examples remind us that maintaining good relations is not merely a diplomatic tool but a moral imperative for ensuring the well-being of future generations.

Hasina’s quote also reflects an understanding of human nature and the complexities of peaceful coexistence. To live a life of friendship to all requires not just an absence of malice but a deep commitment to understanding others, to seeing the world not through the lens of competition but through the eyes of compassion. Friendship is a two-way street—requiring effort, openness, and, above all, the willingness to engage with others in a manner that is both humble and sincere. This is the true essence of Hasina’s policy—a life of diplomacy, where one seeks to build, rather than destroy, and to offer respect and kindness, rather than to harbor enmity.

The lesson that Hasina imparts is that, in our own lives, we must be mindful of the way we engage with the world around us. Just as nations must strive for good relations and friendship with their neighbors, so too must we foster positive connections with those around us. Friendship, whether between individuals or nations, is not just about avoiding conflict but about actively working toward understanding, cooperation, and the mutual well-being of all involved. In our personal relationships, we must strive to engage with others in a spirit of generosity, compassion, and respect, ensuring that we contribute to the creation of a world that values peace and unity over division and hostility.

In our daily lives, we can take practical steps toward building bridges rather than walls. Hasina’s message calls us to choose the path of friendship over hostility, to approach others not with the intention of gaining at their expense, but with a genuine desire to see them flourish. We must work to understand rather than judge, to compromise rather than clash, and to extend kindness rather than harbor malice. By doing so, we contribute not only to the strength of our own relationships but also to the peace and prosperity of the communities and nations to which we belong.