According to BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has remarked that Bangladesh is moving towards a better political environment during his visit on Sunday to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s residence, Firoza, in Gulshan.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, AZM Zahid Hossain said, “He (Ishaq Dar) commented that Bangladesh is heading towards a positive political environment in the coming days. This development was appreciated.”
When asked whether the discussion included revitalising the South Asian Regional Cooperation Organisation (SAARC), the BNP leader said, “That will be seen when the opportunity arises. BNP will play an appropriate role in making SAARC more active.”
Dr Zahid added, “Khaleda Zia has been unwell for a long time. The Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister came to meet her, and they had a conversation. During the discussion, she may have asked about floods in Pakistan, noting that floods used to occur in Bangladesh before, and now they are affecting Pakistan as well.”
He clarified that no discussion took place regarding Bangladesh’s domestic political situation. However, the meeting included reminiscing about SAARC, such as its establishment, the announcement by the late president Ziaur Rahman, subsequent visits by Pakistani leaders to Bangladesh, and Bangladesh’s visits to Pakistan.
Dr Zahid described the conversation as a “courtesy exchange” or an occasion for mutual inquiry and recalling past events.
When asked if there was any discussion on advancing bilateral relations, he said, “This is very normal. They discussed how, in the future, both countries can normalise relations and collaborate on international platforms in the interest of their people.”
On whether Bangladesh’s democracy or elections were discussed, Dr Zahid said, “Since Bangladesh is moving towards elections, they expressed optimism. He noted that BNP is progressing under the leadership of acting chairman Tarique Rahman.”