After 15 years, top diplomats from Pakistan-Bangladesh met in Dhaka to revive ties and address long-standing issues. Here’s everything you need to know about this pivotal diplomatic moment.
A Diplomatic Breakthrough After 15 Years
In a significant development, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch visited Dhaka and met her Bangladeshi counterpart Masud Bin Momen (also referred to as Jashim Uddin in earlier reports) after a 15-year hiatus in such high-level bilateral engagements. The meeting was held in a cordial environment and addressed several unresolved matters that have historically strained relations between the two nations.
The Pakistani Foreign Office emphasized that the consultation was conducted in a respectful and friendly atmosphere. However, some media reports had misrepresented the nature and outcome of the talks.
The Big Ask: Bangladesh Demands $4.32 Billion
During a post-meeting press conference, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary stated that Dhaka has formally demanded $4.32 billion in liabilities from Pakistan, which they claim has been pending since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
Additionally, Bangladesh has called for a formal apology from Pakistan regarding the alleged atrocities committed during the 1971 war.
Repatriation of Stranded Pakistanis
Bangladesh also addressed the issue of approximately 324,447 stranded Pakistanis residing in camps throughout the country.
Other key demands included the transfer of foreign aid intended for the victims of the 1970 Bhola cyclone, which Dhaka alleges was never delivered.
Maritime & Air Links, Education & Trade Cooperation
The official statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office did not mention the financial or apology demands but highlighted several positive developments:
- Initiation of direct shipping links between Karachi and Chattogram.
- Emphasis on reviving direct air travel routes.
- Pakistan offered educational opportunities in its agricultural universities.
- Bangladesh offered technical training in marine studies and fisheries.
- Both sides agreed to expedite pending agreements and deepen collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, and cultural exchange.
Mutual Vision for Regional Peace
Both countries reiterated the need to revitalize SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in line with its founding principles.Pakistan informed Bangladesh about the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and asked for a solution according to UN Security Council decisions.
Meetings were also held with Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor, Prof. Mohammad Yunus, and Foreign Affairs Advisor, Towhid Hossain, discussing regional integration and shielding bilateral ties from external pressures.
Background: A Long-Frozen Relationship
The last foreign secretary-level dialogue occurred in 2010. Since then, ties between Dhaka and Islamabad had soured, particularly after Pakistan’s reaction to the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Molla in 2013.
After Sheikh Hasina’s government resigned in 2024, Bangladesh’s politics started changing. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Prof. Muhammad Yunus’ new administration. on assuming leadership of the caretaker government, followed by a bilateral meeting in September at the UN General Assembly.
Trade Ties Show Promise
Diplomatic thawing has been accompanied by increased trade interest:
- In 2023, Pakistan exported $650 million worth of goods to Bangladesh, mainly textiles, yarn, and leather products.
- Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan stood at just over $60 million, with key products being jute, pharmaceuticals, hydrogen peroxide, tea, and garments.
A cargo shipment from Karachi to Chattogram in November 2024 marked the beginning of enhanced commercial ties.
What’s Next?
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28, marking the first such visit since 2012. Both nations seem poised to move beyond the shadow of 1971 and pursue economic cooperation and regional integration.
Analysts believe that with regional tensions shifting and economic priorities evolving, Pakistan and Bangladesh have a unique opportunity to reset relations based on mutual interests, trade, and connectivity.
