From animosity to amity: Pakistan-Bangladesh relations see revival

Pakistan and Bangladesh are witnessing a significant thaw in relations, marking the start of a new chapter in bilateral ties. After five decades of strained relations following the 1971 war, recent high-level meetings and trade initiatives signal a move toward collaboration and reconciliation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh's interim government Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus met twice in recent months. Their first meeting on September 26, 2024, during the U.N. General Assembly in New York, included discussions on strengthening historical and cultural bonds.

Shehbaz later attended an event commemorating Bangladesh’s 50th year of U.N. membership. Both leaders extended invitations for official visits.

A second meeting on December 19, 2024, at the D-8 summit in Cairo, emphasized leaving the past behind and collaborating for mutual growth.

As a result, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Dhaka in February 2025. This visit marks the first by a high-ranking Pakistani official in 22 years, following President Pervez Musharraf’s 2002 trip.

Trade between the two nations is also seeing a revival. For the first time in 54 years, Pakistani cargo ships docked at Chittagong Port in November and December 2024.

Bangladesh has lifted previous restrictions, including mandatory physical inspections of Pakistani exports and special security checks for Pakistani passengers at Dhaka Airport.

Cultural ties are blossoming as well. Pakistani musicians, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, recently performed in Dhaka, while Bangladeshi films like Toofan are premiering in Pakistani cinemas.

Meanwhile, academic relations have improved, with Dhaka University opening its doors to Pakistani students after years of restrictions.

Experts view these developments as a shift in South Asia's geopolitical landscape. With India-Bangladesh relations cooling, Islamabad and Dhaka are finding common ground in trade, culture, and diplomacy. Both nations appear committed to moving beyond historical grievances for a more cooperative future.