New Delhi – Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are undergoing a major reset after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The shift has drawn close attention from India, which is already dealing with tensions in its ties with the United States.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka on August 24, becoming the most senior Pakistani leader to travel to Bangladesh in 13 years. He described Bangladesh as a “long-lost brother” and announced 600 scholarships for Bangladeshi students and officials, along with medical aid for those injured during the 2024 anti-Hasina uprising.
Both sides agreed to a series of steps aimed at strengthening ties. These included visa-free travel for diplomats, plans to revive direct flights suspended since 2018, and a joint working group to expand trade beyond the current level of about US$865 million. Pakistan also pledged support for Bangladesh’s textile and agriculture sectors.
The warming of relations is evident in maritime trade as well, with Pakistani ships docking at Bangladeshi ports for the first time since 1971. Analysts say Dhaka’s interim government under Dr Muhammad Yunus has adopted a neutral stance, neither hostile nor overtly friendly toward Pakistan, which contrasts with Sheikh Hasina’s strongly anti-Pakistan policies.
At the same time, Dhaka has drawn closer to China, securing US$2.1 billion in loans and investments. Beijing’s growing role, coupled with Islamabad’s renewed presence, is raising concerns in New Delhi about a shifting balance of influence in the region.
