Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to improve bilateral relations through enhanced military and trade cooperation, marking a major shift after years of strained ties.
A senior Bangladeshi military official, Lieutenant General Kamr-ul-Hassan, visited Pakistan on a rare trip, where he held discussions with Pakistan’s military leadership.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh had remained stagnant during the 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina, who consistently rejected peace initiatives from Pakistan. However, since her removal from power, there has been a noticeable improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Pakistan and Bangladesh improve military ties
Lt-Gen S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, held separate meetings with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on January 14, 2025.
Both generals, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stressed the need for a “stronger defense relationship” and emphasized that the partnership between the two nations must remain “resilient against external influences.”
The army chief reiterated the importance of “joint efforts” to promote “peace and stability” in South Asia and beyond, underscoring the role of both nations in contributing to regional security through collaborative defense initiatives.
Lt-Gen Hassan’s visit is viewed as a signal of improving relations since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had strained ties for 15 years. Recent leadership exchanges and defense discussions reflect a mutual commitment to fostering collaboration.
The Bangladeshi general praised the professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in combating terrorism, while both nations reaffirmed their shared vision for a secure and prosperous region through robust defense cooperation and sustained collaboration.
Pakistan and Bangladesh form joint business council
This growing partnership extends beyond defense, as evidenced by the recent formation of joint business council.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to establish the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Business Council (PBJBC) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade.
The agreement was formalized during the Bangladesh Pakistan Business Forum held in Dhaka, marking the first such engagement in 12 years.
The FPCCI delegation, led by President Atif Ikram Sheikh, held productive discussions with Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Sheikh Bashiruddin, who assured support for Pakistani exporters and emphasized strengthening trade and industrial relations. Bangladesh has eased visa requirements for Pakistani nationals, reciprocated by Pakistan.
The forum showcased industries such as electronics, textiles, processed foods, and automotive parts. Both countries committed to leveraging platforms like SAARC and OIC to deepen collaboration in energy, education, and technology.
Trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh reached $718 million in FY 2023-24, with Pakistani exports dominating at $661 million. Officials expressed a target of $2 billion in bilateral trade, urging public and private sectors to boost cooperation in IT, pharmaceuticals, and other key sectors. Meetings with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) further underscored trade promotion initiatives.
Bangladesh eases visa process for Pakistanis
In another step to boost ties, Bangladesh has also streamlined the visa process for Pakistanis to enhance trade and economic ties between the two nations.
Addressing the business community at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Saturday, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain, announced that the current Bangladeshi government has eliminated the requirement for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani mission heads when issuing visas.
Hussain highlighted that the Bangladeshi government is eager to improve relations with Pakistan, noting that the trade potential between the two nations remains largely untapped. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for the current generation and removing barriers to trade and cooperation.
Meanwhile, the bilateral rade between Pakistan and Bangladesh amounted to $718 million in 2023-24, with Pakistan’s exports at $661 million and imports at $57 million.
Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad urged both governments and the private sector to increase trade to $2 billion and focus on sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, rice, surgical instruments, and automotive parts to achieve this target.
Maritime connectivity
The new direct maritime link between Pakistan and Bangladesh, launched in October 2024, has already facilitated the shipment of over 1,000 containers.
This route reduces transit times by 50%, streamlining logistics and enhancing trade between the two nations. Eliminating the need for transshipment, it offers a more efficient and reliable solution for importers and exporters.
This direct Pakistan-Bangladesh maritime route is a key component of a wider service linking six countries across South and Southeast Asia, including Port Klang in Malaysia, Jebel Ali in the UAE, Karachi in Pakistan, Chittagong in Bangladesh, Belawan in Indonesia, and Mundra in India.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost regional trade, connecting key ports in Malaysia, the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and India.
