Pakistan and Bangladesh have started to improve relations following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, driven by shared anti-India sentiments and ongoing diplomatic engagements. Key meetings have focused on resolving historical grievances and strengthening military ties. Despite improvements, experts urge caution, citing historical tensions and the importance of India in Bangladesh’s geopolitical landscape.
Since the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power, Pakistan and Bangladesh have forged a closer relationship, largely influenced by a shared resentment towards India. This shift in geopolitics was marked by a meeting between Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and Bangladesh military’s Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, which the Pakistani military described as notable for enhancing their military partnership, citing their nations as ‘brotherly’.
The historical tensions between Islamabad and Dhaka have been longstanding, primarily rooted in Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan during the 1971 war, where atrocities were committed by the Pakistani military. Following Hasina’s ouster, the atmosphere seems ripe for a realignment, with diplomats from both nations engaging in high-profile meetings to address unresolved historical issues, including Pakistan’s lack of an apology for actions during the liberation struggle.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, have met to discuss longstanding challenges post-Hasina, emphasizing the importance of settling these matters for future bilateral relations. The transformation in ties may reflect Bangladesh’s recalibration of foreign relations due to its deteriorating relationship with India, which had supported Hasina’s administration.
While recent developments indicate a warming of ties, experts caution against overestimating the implications of these diplomatic maneuvers, given the complex historical dynamics and the countries’ divergent interests. Bangladesh must mindfully navigate its relationship with India, particularly due to geographic and economic dependencies that it cannot overlook.
In the context of regional geopolitics, the burgeoning relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh coincides with India’s renewed engagements with the Taliban, raising questions regarding the balance of power in South Asia. Pakistan’s previous influence over the Taliban has reportedly weakened, with rising domestic security challenges complicating its regional posture.
Despite ongoing political unrest, Bangladesh has displayed significant economic growth, which could be seen as a pull for Pakistan to strengthen ties. Trade dynamics between the two nations signal potential for enhancement; however, they remain uneven, with Pakistan exporting significantly more than it imports from Bangladesh, indicating room for improvement in economic relations.
The historical relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been fraught with tension since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 after a brutal liberation war. The nearly 16-year governance of Sheikh Hasina heightened disagreements related to various unresolved grievances from that period. However, her recent ousting has presented an opportunity for both nations to reconsider and potentially enhance their bilateral engagement, focusing on mutual interests and shared apprehensions towards India’s influence in the region.
In summary, the evolving dynamics between Pakistan and Bangladesh suggest a potential shift towards cooperation, driven by common interests and geopolitical changes post-Hasina. While historical tensions remain, recent diplomatic engagements may pave the way for improved relations, although the complexity of regional politics and lingering issues make the outcome uncertain. Economic ties also present opportunities for both nations to strengthen their partnership moving forward.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
