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Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar meets various political leaders in Bangladesh to boost ties

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 3:32 GMT by ThePrint
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Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Engages Bangladesh’s Political Spectrum in a Series of High‑Profile Talks

Dhaka, 24 June 2024 – In a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and signal a fresh chapter in Indo‑Pacific diplomacy, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Zahid Mahmood, visited Bangladesh’s capital earlier this week to hold a round of meetings with leaders from the country’s major political parties. The series of talks, which took place at the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at a number of neutral venues across Dhaka, brought together the Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiya Party, Workers Party, and other smaller but influential groups, providing a platform for a multi‑party dialogue that is rare in the region’s diplomatic practice.

A Broad‑Based Engagement Strategy

The Pakistani delegation, headed by the Foreign Minister and supported by a team of senior diplomats, was keen to convey that Pakistan’s outreach is not limited to any single political narrative in Bangladesh. By engaging leaders from across the spectrum, the foreign ministry hopes to build a foundation of trust that transcends the political divides that often shape Bangladeshi foreign policy.

“The objective is to create a channel for constructive dialogue with every major player in the political arena,” Mr. Mahmood told reporters in Dhaka. “Pakistan values its relationship with Bangladesh and wants to support the stability and development of the country in a manner that is inclusive, transparent, and forward‑looking.”

Key Themes Discussed

1. Trade and Economic Cooperation

The most significant focus of the talks revolved around economic engagement. Pakistan, with its vast textile, pharmaceutical, and information‑technology sectors, has long expressed interest in tapping into Bangladesh’s growing consumer market. The FM highlighted the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement that would streamline customs procedures, reduce non‑tariff barriers, and facilitate joint ventures in manufacturing and export‑processing zones.

“The idea is to foster a mutually beneficial environment where Pakistani products can gain a stronger foothold in Bangladesh, and Bangladeshi enterprises can tap into Pakistani expertise, especially in the textile and garment sector,” said Mr. Mahmood.

2. Energy Collaboration

Bangladesh’s rising energy demand and Pakistan’s need for a diversified supply chain were also on the agenda. Discussions touched on potential cooperation in natural gas exploration, renewable energy projects (particularly solar and wind), and the possibility of joint investment in Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.

3. Security and Border Issues

Both nations agreed on the necessity of maintaining a stable and secure border. While the two countries share a porous frontier that has historically seen smuggling and illegal migration, they reiterated their commitment to collaborative security efforts. The FM underscored Pakistan’s readiness to support joint counter‑terrorism training and intelligence sharing.

4. Rohingya and Humanitarian Concerns

Bangladesh’s humanitarian challenges, particularly the large population of Rohingya refugees, were also addressed. The Pakistani delegation reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a humanitarian approach that balances security with compassion. The FM hinted at the possibility of Pakistan extending aid or expertise in humanitarian logistics, should Bangladesh deem it necessary.

5. Political Stability and Democratic Processes

While the FM refrained from commenting directly on Bangladesh’s internal political landscape, he emphasized that Pakistan respects the principles of democratic governance and non‑interference. His comments were carefully phrased to avoid taking sides in the often‑contentious contest between the Awami League and the BNP, thus maintaining diplomatic neutrality.

Reactions from Bangladeshi Political Leaders

• Awami League: Sheikh Hasina’s senior aide, Shahinur Rahman, welcomed the visit, saying it signaled a “new era of friendship.” He noted that the discussions would be “pivotal in cementing long‑term economic cooperation.”

• Bangladesh Nationalist Party: Khaleda Zia’s son, Tariq Aziz, expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the talks were a positive step, the opposition would need concrete commitments from the government to ensure that the partnership does not favour one party over another.

• Jatiya Party: The party’s leader, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, praised the inclusive nature of the meeting, underscoring the importance of “cross‑party collaboration in shaping national policy.”

• Workers Party and Others: The smaller parties lauded the gesture, seeing it as an opportunity to have their voices heard on issues that affect their constituents, particularly in border districts and in matters of trade.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The diplomatic initiative must be viewed against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting regional order. Pakistan has sought to diversify its foreign relations beyond its traditional alignment with China, while Bangladesh is navigating a complex web of alliances that includes India, China, and the United States. Both countries have a vested interest in ensuring that the South Asian subcontinent remains a stable, secure, and prosperous region.

In this context, the Pakistani FM’s engagement with Bangladesh’s political leaders signals an intention to forge a “multipolar” partnership that can counterbalance external pressures and provide a platform for regional cooperation on issues such as maritime security, climate change, and disaster preparedness.

Looking Ahead

While no formal agreements were signed during this round of meetings, the conversations are expected to lay the groundwork for substantive policy papers and future memoranda of understanding. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has indicated that the next steps will involve a joint working group to examine trade facilitation measures, energy projects, and security protocols.

Both sides have also signaled a willingness to keep the channels open for continued dialogue, particularly as the next set of Bangladeshi elections approaches. This sustained engagement is likely to become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy to secure its interests in South Asia, while simultaneously supporting Bangladesh’s aspirations for inclusive growth and regional stability.

For further reading, see the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release on the visit, the Awami League’s statement on “strengthening bilateral ties with Pakistan,” and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s commentary on “foreign policy engagement and economic cooperation.”