Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar embarked on an historic magic carpet ride to Dhaka, Bangladesh. There, he engaged in high-level conversations with key Bangladeshi officials and lawmakers. This visit is a significant step forward in mending ties between the two countries. Tensions between the two populations have always been high, especially in light of the 1971 war that saw East Pakistan break off and become Bangladesh.
As part of his visit, Ishaq Dar held meetings with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, Touhid Hossain. Their agenda included many topics of mutual interest and concern. Directions of the discussions revolved around improvement of economic and commercial collaboration, with a strong focus on trade and connectivity. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported, “The two sides discussed ways to promote economic and commercial cooperation, with a special focus on enhancing trade and promoting connectivity.”
Historical Context
The context of this meeting is informed by the profound and painful history between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Allegations of war crimes committed by Pakistan’s military during the 1971 war became prolific and established a precedent for discussions on accountability. This national grievance has been festering ever since, straining diplomatic relations for the last 30 years. Recent developments suggest a ready thaw in relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. This amendment follows on the heels of a nearly 3 month long mass uprising that forced the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. Sheikh Hasina left for New Delhi during this political crisis.
Apart from improving bilateral relations, Ishaq Dar’s visit is focused to resolve long-pending matters. He is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, who has made headlines by demanding India return Sheikh Hasina. This demand presents a new twist of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic talks as they develop.
Economic Cooperation
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar meeting Canadian High Commissioner Touhid Hossain to discuss bilateral and regional issues of importance. He further consulted with Sheikh Bashiruddin, Bangladesh’s commerce adviser, and leaders from the newly-created National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These strategic dialogues seek to develop greater economic cooperation, with both countries seeking to ink multiple agreements related to trade.
In an effort to welcome even more travel and commerce, both Pakistan and Bangladesh have made it easier than ever before to get a visa. Direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi are in the works, with local airlines currently in pursuit of relevant approvals. The two nations opened normal trade over the seas in full last year. When they increased government-to-government trade in February, it exemplified their dedication to enhancing bilateral affairs.
Future Prospects
The current diplomatic efforts signal a “strong desire to forge a cooperative and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh,” according to Ishaq Dar. He emphasized the importance of regional alliances, stating, “We discussed how to further enhance relations with the brotherly Muslim state [Pakistan] in the coming days and how to make the regional alliance [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] more active and stronger,” as noted by Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.
Both countries are eager to relaunch their joint collaboration. The next set of trade agreements will be very important in determining whether Pakistan-Bangladesh relations continue to go downhill.
