Special Correspondent: Expected visit of Pakistan`s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Mr Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh, following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, represents an upward trajectory in bilateral relations, marked by renewed efforts to enhance cooperation and trade through agreements on issues like counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and police training.

After Hasina was driven from office by mass protests in August 2024, the new interim government, led by Yunus, undertook initiatives to improve ties with Islamabad. Its overtures have received an enthusiastic response from Pakistan.

Positive aspects of the Dar’s visit and recent engagements are mentioned below:

High-Level Political Engagement: The recent visit by Pakistan`s Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister signifies a strong desire by Pakistan to foster a cooperative and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh. During his visit, Dar met delegates from Bangladesh’s major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP). Afterwards, he met Bangladeshi Adviser of Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Commerce Sheikh Bashiruddin, and finally Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.

Improved Inter-Governmental Coordination: Discussions have covered key areas for bilateral interest, including counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and cybercrime.

Enhanced People-to-People Ties: The near-finalized MoU for on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders aims to facilitate travel and boost cooperation between the two nations.

Defense and Security Cooperation: There is a proposal for MoUs between police academies to establish officer exchange programs and training, allowing Pakistan to share its counter-terrorism experience with Bangladesh.

Post-Hasina Government Shift: Efforts to improve relations gained momentum after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Collaborative Efforts on Shared Challenges: Both countries are actively discussing ways to address common challenges, such as the Rohingya crisis and anti-human trafficking.

Establishment of institutional frameworks: To enhance economic ties, the two nations agreed to create a Bangladesh-Pakistan Trade and Investment Commission and revive the long-dormant Joint Economic Commission.

Emphasis on forward-looking ties: Dar repeatedly expressed Pakistan`s desire for a "cooperative and forward-looking relationship" and focused on moving beyond the "difficult past". This signals a shift from historical grievances toward pragmatic engagement, a change that Bangladesh`s interim government appears to embrace.

Cultural and people-to-people connections: Beyond formal agreements, both sides emphasized the importance of cultural and academic exchanges. This builds on earlier positive signs, such as a recent Bangladeshi cricket tour of Pakistan.

Significant increase in trade: Following the change in government in Bangladesh, bilateral trade saw a marked increase. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, trade rose to $865 million, up from $628 million the previous year. Both nations are exploring ways to diversify trade and are working on a Free Trade Agreement.

Restoration of direct shipping and flights: Direct shipping services between the two countries have resumed for the first time in decades. Direct flights are also set to be restored, which will boost trade, travel, and people-to-people connections.

Diversification of defense cooperation: The interim government in Bangladesh has shown interest in diversifying its defense partners, including a potential interest in purchasing weapons and fighter jets from Pakistan and China. In August 2024, the Bangladesh Army sent a delegation to Pakistan to explore this possibility.

Potential for regional collaboration: Both countries have discussed the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with Chief Adviser Yunus expressing strong support for the idea.

New foreign policy for Bangladesh: Experts note that Bangladesh`s rapprochement with Pakistan is a pragmatic foreign policy move to enhance its strategic autonomy and pursue economic dividends. It aligns with the interim government`s nonaligned stance, ensuring balanced relations with its neighbors without becoming entangled in regional rivalries.

Finally, anybody can easily understand the upward trajectory of Pakistan Bangladesh bilateral relations so that the recent period shows a concerted effort to build a more active and engaged relationship across various sectors, from trade to security.