The visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Dhaka is a significant step in renewing both diplomatic ties and trade relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan after more than a decade.
Strengthening trade relations will be key as the two countries look to rebuild their bilateral partnership, which came to a near standstill during the previous prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
According to foreign ministry officials, discussions will focus on establishing a direct connection with the Karachi port and fostering cooperation in the textile industry.
“Pakistan produces quality clothes that Bangladesh imports. We can reduce foreign currency expenditure by producing clothes locally, leveraging their experience,” an official told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Shafqat Munir, senior research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies(BIPSS), said both Bangladesh and Pakistan are making efforts to reengage after a long hiatus, with Ishaq Dar’s visit being a key part of that process.
Munir emphasized, from Bangladesh’s perspective, the primary focus is on trade, but he also pointed out that unresolved issues of the 1971 war, such as seeking an apology from Pakistan, the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, and the settlement of outstanding dues, must continue to be raised.
He further stressed that advancing bilateral relations will face significant challenges, as no true normalization of ties can happen without resolving these critical issues of 1971.
The talks are also expected to address longstanding unresolved issues, including seeking an apology from Pakistan for committing genocide during Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971.
The previous government failed to raise the issue strongly, as bilateral relations with Pakistan had nearly come to a halt, limiting trade and business exchanges, the official said.
Foreign ministry sources believe that starting afresh with renewed cooperation would benefit Bangladesh. In addition to bilateral matters, regional and international issues of mutual interest will also be discussed.
This visit, the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years, marks a significant milestone following the mass uprising that led to the fall of Hasina’s government a year ago.
Since then, both bilateral relations and trade between the two countries have seen a revival, and the visit of a top Pakistani minister signals further strengthening of ties in the days ahead.
Ishaq Dar was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday afternoon by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider.
During his three-day visit, Dar will meet with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, and Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, currently in Dhaka on a four-day visit, will also join the bilateral talks.
The two nations may sign five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, media, training, and tourism.