The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, is significantly enhancing its relations with Pakistan. Both countries have executed a visa-free travel agreement for holders of government and diplomatic passports. This agreement was amongst six signed during the visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, to Dhaka.
This marked the first visit by a Pakistani minister to Bangladesh in 13 years. Ishaq Dar finalized this agreement in delegation-level talks with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Tauhid Hussain. Other agreements emphasized boosting trade, training for diplomats, education, media, strategic studies, and cultural exchanges. They also agreed to establish a Knowledge Corridor between the nations.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry described the visit as a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations. During his two-day visit, Ishaq Dar also met with leaders from political parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, which had opposed Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
Read More: Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrives in Dhaka for key meetings during his two-day visit.
A Joint Economic Commission to Resume
According to The Daily Star, an influential newspaper in Bangladesh, both countries plan to resume the Joint Economic Commission, with a meeting expected in September or October. This would be the first such meeting in 20 years. Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will visit Dhaka to participate.
At a joint press conference, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan seeks a new era of partnership with Bangladesh. He called on governments, political parties, and the youth to come together to bolster bilateral ties. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry emphasized that the conversations took place in a friendly atmosphere, reflecting the current friendship between the two nations.
Read More: Elections in Bangladesh to be held in February 2026, with the Election Commission presenting an electoral roadmap next week.
Bangladeshi Diplomats to Train in Pakistan
Discussions also touched upon regional and global issues like the Palestine and Rohingya crises and the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Pakistan announced 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 25 percent allocated to medical education. Furthermore, under the Technical Assistance Program, the number of scholarships is increased from 5 to 25. Additionally, Pakistan will provide special training to 100 Bangladeshi civil servants.
