Dr. Ashish Shukla, Associate Fellow, spoke on “Pakistan’s Outreach to Bangladesh” at the Monday Morning Meeting held on 3 February 2025, chaired by Dr. Ashok Behuria, Senior Fellow. The discussion provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, particularly in the context of recent political shifts in Bangladesh.

Executive Summary

The recent political changes in Bangladesh, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Government in August 2024, have led to a significant warming of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan has actively sought to rebuild ties with Bangladesh through diplomatic, economic, and cultural initiatives. Key areas of focus include the resolution of historical grievances, increased trade and economic cooperation, and enhanced military-to-military contacts. However, the relationship remains complex, with Bangladesh balancing its ties with Pakistan and its longstanding relationship with India.

Detailed Report

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ashok Behuria outlined the topic, emphasising the historical context of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and the recent political developments that have paved the way for improved bilateral ties. He highlighted the importance of addressing unresolved issues such as the 1971 war crimes, asset division, and the status of Urdu-speaking Biharis in Bangladesh. Dr. Behuria also noted that the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has shown a willingness to engage with Pakistan, marking a significant shift in the bilateral relationship.

Dr. Ashish Shukla began his presentation by discussing the diplomatic outreach from Pakistan following the political changes in Bangladesh. He noted that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed a desire to strengthen ties with Bangladesh, describing it as a “brotherly Muslim country” and a key partner in South Asia. A strategy paper prepared by retired Pakistani diplomats outlined a roadmap for improving relations, focusing on increased diplomatic engagement and people-to-people contacts.

On the economic front, Dr. Shukla highlighted the significant increase in bilateral trade, which has grown by 28% since the fall of the Hasina Government. He mentioned the establishment of a direct maritime link between Karachi and Chittagong, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the import of Atap rice by Bangladesh from Pakistan on a Government-to-Government basis. Additionally, both countries have agreed to form a joint business council to further enhance trade relations.

Dr. Shukla also discussed the cultural and military dimensions of Pakistan’s outreach. He noted the performance of legendary Qawwali maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in Dhaka, which was seen as a symbolic gesture of cultural reconciliation. On the military front, he highlighted the revival of military-to-military contacts, including the training of Bangladeshi officers by Pakistan and the import of ammunition from Pakistan. These developments, he argued, reflect a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple domains.

However, the speaker also pointed out the challenges in the relationship. Many Bangladeshis remain wary of jeopardising their relationship with India, which is seen as a crucial partner for economic and strategic reasons. The historical legacy of the 1971 war and the crimes committed by the Pakistani Army continue to cast a shadow over the relationship, making it difficult for some segments of Bangladeshi society to fully embrace Pakistan’s outreach.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Shukla emphasised that the success of Pakistan’s outreach to Bangladesh would depend on its ability to address historical grievances, build trust, and navigate the complex regional dynamics, particularly the role of India. He noted that while recent developments are promising, the relationship remains fragile and will require sustained efforts from both sides to achieve long-term stability and cooperation.

Q&A Session

The Q&A session saw active participation from MP-IDSA scholars who delved into various aspects of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Key questions focused on the role of India in shaping the bilateral relationship, the potential for economic cooperation, and the implications of increased military-to-military contacts. Participants also discussed the historical legacy of the 1971 war and its impact on contemporary relations. The session provided a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in Pakistan’s outreach to Bangladesh and its broader implications for regional stability.

The Report was prepared by Mr. Rohit Raj, Intern, South Asia Centre, MP-IDSA.