The removal of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government in August 2024, after a 15-year tenure, marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic landscape. Hasina’s close alliance with India and her subsequent exile there led to a cooling of Dhaka-New Delhi relations. In contrast, relations with Pakistanlong strained by historical grievances have begun to improve, signaling a renewed willingness on both sides to turn the page.
Pakistan and Bangladesh share deep-rooted cultural, religious, and historical ties, along with a mutual commitment to economic growth and regional stability. Both nations now recognize the value of enhanced cooperation in addressing common challenges such as poverty, healthcare, education, and technological advancement.
Bangladesh’s growing presence in the global garment industry and Pakistan’s strengths in textiles, agriculture, and technology present significant opportunities for trade and investment. In January 2025, both countries established a Joint Business Council to unlock this potential, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $2-3 billion annually by 2028. Priority sectors include textiles, pharmaceuticals, agri-tech, and information technology where complementarities can be leveraged rather than competition fostered.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Foreign Secretary-level consultations resumed in Dhaka in April 2025 after more than 15 years. These talks reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity, while stressing the importance of regular institutional dialogue and timely finalization of pending agreements.
Military and intelligence cooperation has also gained traction. In January, senior Bangladeshi military officials visited Pakistan for high-level meetings focused on regional security and joint training.
In February, Bangladesh’s participation in Pakistan’s AMAN-25 naval exercise highlighted growing strategic alignment and shared concerns over maritime security.
Visa facilitation followed in July 2025, when both countries agreed in principle to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports an unprecedented move reflecting mutual trust. This development was accompanied by earlier trade facilitation measures, including the removal of 100% inspection requirements on imports, aimed at improving logistical efficiency and trade flows.
In November 2024, direct maritime shipping between Karachi and Chittagong resumed for the first time since 1971, streamlining supply chains and reducing transit times. This milestone further reinforced the momentum in bilateral trade, which rose by 27% between August and December 2024, followed by a 40% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2025.
Guided by the aspirations of its people, Bangladesh is actively building bridges with Pakistan, reflecting the fraternal bond many citizens feel toward Pakistanis. Moving beyond past hostilities, both countries are embracing a future shaped by shared interests and regional potential. Establishing a joint historical commission to fairly examine the events of the past could provide a path toward reconciliation, paving the way for a stronger, more meaningful partnership rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
The writer is a freelance columnist and can be reached at [email protected]
