"Hasina’s stance influenced by efforts to please India"

Pakistan has long sought to mend its strained relationship with Bangladesh, but efforts were consistently rebuffed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

The recent political shift in Dhaka, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leading the interim government, has reignited Islamabad's hopes for renewed diplomatic engagement.

That cautious optimism has gained momentum as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is currently in Dhaka—marking the first secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years.

Her visit is expected to pave the way for a higher-level diplomatic push, with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar scheduled to travel to Bangladesh later this month. While the exact date remains unconfirmed, the visit carries significant weight—seen by some as an attempt to salvage the dimming embers of hope in Dhaka-Islamabad relations.

Earlier, in 2012, the then Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar, visited Dhaka to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Pakistan’s former senator and retired Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum in an exclusive interview with Banglanews said during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Bangladesh in April, all essential agreements will be concluded which are beneficial to both countries.

Qayyum, also a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) when asked about the agreements or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) expected to be signed during the visit, said, “The MoUs may include cooperation in bilateral trade, security, joint military exercises, tourism, and measures to enhance SAARC’s effectiveness.”

Discussing Pakistan’s vision for SAARC and other regional platforms in bridging differences and improving relations with Bangladesh, Qayyum asserted that Bangladesh has never been an adversary to Pakistan.

However, he remarked that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stance had often been influenced by efforts to appease India.

“Our mutual friendship, God willing, will remain everlasting. Together, we can strengthen SAARC and other regional platforms for our shared benefit,” he added.

Regarding potential trade opportunities, he highlighted key sectors for economic collaboration.

He noted that Pakistan could import ready-made garments, jute and its products, fish, shrimp, agro-products, pharmaceuticals, and plastic goods from Bangladesh. In return, Pakistan could export rice, home textiles, health products, gems, steel, and cement to Bangladesh.

The visit is expected to mark a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

BDST: 1823 HRS, April 17, 2025
MSK/SMS