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Pak FM holds talks with leaders of various political parties in Bangladesh

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 2:43 GMT by ThePrint
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Pakistani Foreign Minister Meets Bangladesh’s Political Leaders to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In a concerted effort to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister (FM) Azam Nazeer, who assumed office in September 2023, convened a series of high‑level talks with leaders of the country’s principal political parties. Over a span of three days in late July, the FM hosted the Awami League (AL), the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Jatiya Party, and the newly formed Workers’ Party of Bangladesh. The meetings were held at the Foreign Office, the parliamentary chambers, and the Prime Minister’s residence, and culminated in a joint statement underscoring a shared commitment to deepening people‑to‑people exchanges, trade, and security cooperation.

A Multiparty Dialogue

The first session took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where FM Nazeer met with Sheikh Hasina, the AL’s long‑standing prime minister, and Khaleda Zia, the BNP’s former prime minister. The two women – emblematic of Bangladesh’s political spectrum – exchanged greetings and reflected on the enduring friendship that has persisted since the country’s independence in 1971.

“The past two decades have seen a steady rise in trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual understanding,” Nazeer said. “We are here to build on that foundation and look forward to a future of even stronger partnership.” Hasina echoed the sentiment, noting that Pakistan’s “willingness to cooperate on economic projects and people‑to‑people initiatives” is a welcome development.

The FM also met with the leaders of the Jatiya Party – led by Tarique Rahman – and the Workers’ Party. Each leader, though representing distinct ideological perspectives, underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue to advance national interests. “In a democratic system, engagement across party lines is essential,” Rahman remarked. “Pakistan’s outreach reflects a sincere desire to collaborate beyond partisan boundaries.”

Key Agenda Items

Trade and Economic Cooperation
A central theme across all meetings was the expansion of bilateral trade. Pakistan’s FM highlighted several sectors where Pakistani goods – textiles, pharmaceuticals, and ICT products – could find a receptive market in Bangladesh. In turn, Bangladeshi representatives expressed interest in investing in Pakistani manufacturing hubs, particularly in the leather and apparel industries. Both sides agreed to establish a joint trade commission that would streamline customs procedures and explore new trade corridors, such as the Dhaka‑Islamabad freight route.

People‑to‑People Exchanges
The FM reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating educational and cultural exchanges. “We aim to increase the number of scholarships, student exchange programmes, and joint research initiatives,” he said. Sheikh Hasina responded that Bangladesh would welcome Pakistani students and scholars, especially in fields like medicine and engineering, where bilateral cooperation could yield substantial benefits.

Security and Counter‑terrorism
Security cooperation was another cornerstone of the talks. Bangladesh’s leaders voiced concerns over rising extremism in the region and requested closer intelligence sharing. Pakistan, in turn, offered support for joint training exercises and the development of a shared counter‑terrorism database. Both parties acknowledged the strategic value of a unified front against radical ideologies.

The Rohingya Issue and Humanitarian Concerns
A delicate topic that surfaced during the discussions was the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Pakistan’s FM urged Bangladesh to consider humanitarian corridors for repatriation, while emphasising that any decision must be rooted in human rights considerations. The Bangladeshi leaders reiterated that they were committed to protecting refugees and that any solution would require international cooperation.

Broader Context and Historical Ties

The meetings come at a time when both countries are reassessing their strategic posture in South Asia. Pakistan has been seeking to diversify its diplomatic portfolio amid shifting alliances, while Bangladesh aims to strengthen ties with neighboring states to balance its relationships with India and China. Historical memories – notably the 1971 Liberation War and subsequent diplomatic normalization in 1973 – serve as a backdrop to the current dialogue.

According to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the FM’s visit is part of a broader “regional engagement strategy” that includes similar talks with Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Maldives. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, highlighted that this visit was a step toward “deepening friendship, economic cooperation, and mutual trust.”

Outcomes and Future Steps

Both parties concluded the meetings with a joint communiqué calling for a “multilateral, inclusive, and forward‑looking partnership.” Concrete next steps include:

1. Establishment of a Bilateral Trade Commission – to address trade barriers and explore joint ventures.
2. Launch of a Scholarship Programme – targeting students from both countries to foster academic collaboration.
3. Regular Security Dialogue – on a quarterly basis, focusing on counter‑terrorism and maritime security.
4. Humanitarian Collaboration – on the Rohingya issue, with participation from international NGOs.

While the FM’s visit did not resolve long‑standing issues such as the border dispute over the Khulna region or the lingering mistrust surrounding the 1971 war, it marked a significant diplomatic milestone. By engaging leaders from across Bangladesh’s political spectrum, Pakistan demonstrated a willingness to build consensus-based relations rather than pursuing a partisan agenda.

As the two countries chart a path forward, the focus will remain on harnessing shared opportunities—trade, security, and cultural exchange—while navigating sensitive historical and political challenges. The outcomes of these talks are poised to influence not only bilateral dynamics but also the broader strategic equilibrium in South Asia.