Pakistan-Bangladesh Thaw: 13-Year Diplomatic Freeze Ends as FM Visit Sparks Regional Shifts

Islamabad/Dhaka: During Mohammad Yunus' tenure, Bangladesh's proximity to Pakistan is increasing. This has increased India's concerns. On Monday, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spoke to Mohammad Yunus over the phone and wished him Eid. During this, both the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. During this, Sharif reiterated the invitation to Yunus to visit Pakistan and invited the Bangladeshi cultural troupe including famous singer Runa Laila to perform in Pakistan.

Pakistani Foreign Minister coming to Bangladesh

Meanwhile, it is reported that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh from April 22 to April 24. This is the first time in 13 years that a Pakistani Foreign Minister will visit Bangladesh. During his visit, Ishaq Dar will meet Mohammad Yunus. Apart from this, he is scheduled to hold formal talks with Bangladesh Foreign Advisor Tauheed Hussain and other cabinet members and officials.

Pakistan will sign many agreements with Bangladesh

During this meeting of Bangladesh and Pakistani foreign ministers, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed, focusing on increasing trade, commercial relations and people-to-people contacts. Earlier, Hina Rabbani Khar was the last Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh in 2012. Since then, Bangladesh's relations with Pakistan had deteriorated during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina.

Pakistan-Bangladesh military cooperation growing

Pakistan and Bangladesh are looking at ways to enhance trade ties after starting direct trade for the first time through sea. The two countries have already agreed to start direct flights. After the departure of the Sheikh Hasina government, the two sides are also working on improving defence ties. Lt Gen SM Qamar-ul-Hasan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, which is the second-in-command, was the first top Bangladeshi general to visit Islamabad in several years in January, reflecting a shift in priorities of the new administration in Dhaka.