Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Bangladesh next month, the first visit in a decade, signaling improved relations post-Hasina’s ouster. Muhammad Yunus will also visit Islamabad. Both nations have lifted trade restrictions, and Minister Dar referred to Bangladesh as a “brother country.”
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh next month, marking the first visit of a Pakistani foreign minister to the nation in over ten years. According to The Express Tribune, this visit is a sign of improving relations between Dhaka and Islamabad following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
This upcoming trip will be the first by a Pakistani foreign minister since Hina Rabbani Khar’s visit in 2012 to invite then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the D-8 summit. Minister Dar confirmed his visit to Dhaka in February, initiated by an invitation from his Bangladeshi counterpart. In addition, Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has accepted an invitation to visit Islamabad on mutually agreed dates.
Ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been tense during Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year leadership, during which her government declined Pakistan’s overtures for improved relations due to her alignment with India. India’s government regarded Hasina as a dependable regional ally in combating extremism and cross-border insurgency.
However, relations have reportedly improved significantly following Hasina’s removal. Reports suggest a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations, alongside the lifting of restrictions on Pakistani exports, resulting in a rise in bilateral trade. Furthermore, direct trade routes by sea have been established between the countries.
During a press conference, Minister Dar characterized Bangladesh as a “brother country,” affirming Pakistan’s commitment to offer all possible support. This development coincides with Bangladesh’s recent decision to eliminate the security clearance requirement for Pakistani citizens applying for visas. This policy change carries potential security implications for India, particularly concerning extremist groups exploiting Bangladesh’s new political dynamics.
The upcoming visit by Pakistan’s foreign minister to Bangladesh signifies a thaw in bilateral relations following years of tension under Sheikh Hasina’s administration. With recent policy shifts, including easing trade restrictions and changes to visa requirements, both nations appear to be moving toward closer cooperation. Such developments coincide with the significant political shifts in Bangladesh, indicating potential for future collaboration and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
