Bangladesh to have ‘normal relations’ with Pakistan

In a recent media interview, Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammed Touhid Hossein stated that Bangladesh wishes to establish a normal relationship with Pakistan. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s ties with Pakistan should not be limited to its relationship with India.

Hossein acknowledged that the relationship with Pakistan has been strained for several years but expressed a mutual desire to move forward and address any outstanding issues. He emphasized the need for a normal relationship in which both countries can safeguard their interests.

The current stance of the interim government, as articulated by Hossein, sheds light on Bangladesh’s complex relationship with Pakistan since its independence in 1971. The previous Awami League government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had an adversarial relationship with Pakistan. However, following the change in government, there have been notable interactions between Pakistani officials and the interim government.

High Commissioner of Pakistan, Syed Ahmed Maroof, has engaged with various advisers of the interim government, including fisheries adviser Farida Akhter, education adviser Bidhan Chandra Roy Poddar, finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, and adviser on religious affairs AFM Khalid Hossein. Moreover, the Pakistani envoy has expressed interest in establishing direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh and has held discussions with officials from U.S.-Bangla Airlines.

There are reports that Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus is expected to meet with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting. PM Sharif had previously spoken with Prof Yunus, expressing his condolences over the recent devastating floods in Bangladesh and discussing the historical, faith, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

These developments indicate a potential shift in the dynamics of the relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, paving the way for renewed engagement and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.

Manish BL