Bangladesh stands first among the states in the region in the ranking of peaceful nations in 2008, according to a study conducted by the Global Peace Index, an independent think tank.

Bangladesh is ahead of India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Iceland tops the survey of 140 states. Bangladesh is placed 86th, India 107th, Sri Lanka 125th and Pakistan 127th.

The United States is put in 97th place while Russia in 131st place .

Global Peace Index, which is drawn up by the Institute for Economics and Peace, an independent study group, together with the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit, conducted the survey.

It surveyed each nation against 24 “peacefulness” criteria, including a nation's relations with its neighbours, arms sales and foreign troop developments.

It also took into account data on a nation's crime rate, its prison, population and the potential for terrorism within its borders.

Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury expressed satisfaction over the study.

In a statement yesterday, he said, “This only proves what we have been saying for sometime. Today, Bangladesh is an oasis of calm in an otherwise turbulent region. We are at peace with all our neighbours”.

“Internationally, we're playing a constructive role as a top UN peacekeeper. At home, political and social violence has declined. We have had a bumper harvest. Growth, though not phenomenal, is steady. All these have the signs of a new emerging Asian Tiger, this time a Royal Bengal,” Iftekhar said.

He added, “I'm glad the world is beginning to notice this. Bangladesh is no longer a basket case.”