Dhaka: Bangladesh and Pakistan are enhancing their interactions to strengthen bilateral ties, according to a Bangladeshi official. A delegation of Pakistani businesswomen is scheduled to visit Dhaka soon to exhibit their products, with the event taking place at the prestigious Gulshan Club. The official noted the popularity of Pakistani three-piece suits in Bangladesh.
Pakistan exports approximately $700 million worth of goods to Bangladesh each year, while Bangladeshi exports to Pakistan are around $100 million. The official indicated that trade is likely to grow with the establishment of a direct shipping line between the two countries. Additionally, a government-to-government agreement has been reached for the import of 50,000 tonnes of rice, expected to arrive at the port of Chittagong soon.
The request from Fly Jinnah airlines for direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been approved, although the airline is currently facing aircraft shortages and will begin operations once more planes are acquired. High-level visits are anticipated, including a potential visit by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Bangladesh in April.
Bangladesh is nearing the completion of a chancery building in Islamabad’s diplomatic enclave, with plans for the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser (Minister) to visit Pakistan for its inauguration in June. Last December, during the 11th D-8 summit in Cairo, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss enhancing historical and cultural connections, boosting trade, and exploring collaboration in various sectors such as IT, chemicals, leather, and surgical goods.
In a post on X, Sharif described their meeting as warm and cordial, reiterating their commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.
Despite Bangladesh’s independence gained on December 16, 1971, following a nine-month liberation war against the Pakistan Army—assisted by India—Dhaka is now making moves to normalize relations with Pakistan, even with lingering issues like the call for an apology for the past atrocities committed during the war.