Pakistan, Bangladesh vow to boost defense, security cooperation

Pakistan and Bangladesh reaffirmed on Monday their commitment to strengthening defense and security cooperation during high-level discussions in Dhaka, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, called on Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus; Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan; Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan; and Principal Staff Officer (Armed Forces Division) Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hassan during his official visit.

In the meetings, both sides held detailed discussions on the evolving global and regional environment and security situation and recognized the importance of strengthening bilateral defense and security cooperation.

Gen. Mirza reaffirmed Pakistan’s appreciation for its longstanding fraternal ties with Bangladesh and highlighted the shared resolve to deepen these relations on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect.

The two parties expressed optimism about improving defense and security collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding military-to-military engagements and related initiatives.

The chairman also visited the School of Infantry and Tactics in Sylhet and engaged with faculty and students. The Bangladesh civil-military leadership expressed appreciation for the high professional standards of the Pakistan armed forces and their achievements and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, upon arrival at Senakunjo a smartly turned-out military contingent presented a Guard of Honor to the chairman, who also laid a wreath at Shikha Anirban.

Warming of ties

This development comes amid a noticeable warming of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. In August 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made a landmark two-day visit to Dhaka—the first by a Pakistani foreign minister in 13 years.

During that visit, Pakistan and Bangladesh signed six agreements covering trade, academia, media and cultural exchanges. Pakistan launched a “Knowledge Corridor” offering 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students and pledged training for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants. The visit marked a significant milestone in the bilateral reset.

The ties began improving after a leadership change in Bangladesh in August 2024, with both countries resuming direct trade — including a government-to-government rice deal — and easing visa rules for officials.