Pakistan and Bangladesh have recently come closer following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, driven by a shared anti-India sentiment. High-level military meetings underscore the burgeoning relationship, with both nations seeking to set aside historical grievances and focus on future cooperation. Political shifts in Bangladesh suggest a recalibration of foreign policy, prioritizing engagement with Pakistan amid a changing regional landscape.
The recent political climate has seen Pakistan and Bangladesh strengthen their ties in the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, predominantly driven by mutual concerns regarding India. This shift has initiated high-level military and diplomatic exchanges as both nations seek common ground amid shifting political allegiances.
General Asim Munir of Pakistan met with Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan of Bangladesh in Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of military collaboration. This meeting, characterized by discussions on shared interests, has been described as a positive development, reflecting a rekindled relationship that had largely been fraught since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
The historical animosity between the two nations primarily stems from the violent struggle for Bangladesh’s independence, backed by India. Since Hasina’s administration was supported by India, the recent political changes in Bangladesh appear to have shifted its focus towards Pakistan, which now sees an opportunity to establish better bilateral relations.
During a recent summit in Cairo, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged with Muhammad Yunus, the new leader of Bangladesh’s interim government. Yunus’s call for Pakistan to address outstanding issues, such as formal apologies for past atrocities, indicates a potential thaw in relations, as both nations contemplate settling long-standing grievances.
Experts suggest that the recalibration of Bangladesh’s foreign policy comes amid deteriorating relations with India, after years of support for Hasina’s leadership. With India’s request for an extradition of Hasina still pending, the shift towards Pakistan may signal Dhaka’s intention to explore a more independent diplomatic path, while still acknowledging geographic and economic realities.
The relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh has historically been complex, fraught with contention stemming from the 1971 liberation war. Following Hasina’s administration, which was viewed favorably by India, the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh marks a pivotal moment wherein both countries show an evolving partnership. This renewed cooperation is bolstered by a shared sentiment of dissatisfaction towards India’s regional policies.
In conclusion, the shift in Pakistan and Bangladesh’s diplomatic relationship signifies a notable change in South Asian geopolitics, highlighting the significance of military collaboration and economic opportunities. As both nations navigate their shared history and contemporary challenges, their growing alignment against perceived external threats underscores the complexities of regional diplomacy.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
