Bangladesh and Pakistan are on the path of resetting their ties. Since Hasina’s ouster, thanks to a popular revolution, both countries have covered a lot of ground to repair the bilateral relation. The last three consecutive tenures of Hasina in Bangladesh saw serious low in the relations with Pakistan and already little trade volume further decreased between both countries from $947.23 million in 2011 to $583.44 million in 2020.
In this backdrop, Muhammad Yunus has signaled building positive relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan’s PM Muhamamd Shehbaz Sharif have met Muhammad Younus twice in just four months of taking charge as chief advisor of Bangladesh’s administration. The meetings at the sideline of UNGA session in September and 11th D-8 summit, Cairo, Egypt has helped forwarding the goodwill gestures between two countries resultantly initiating fresh journey of the bilateral cooperation. As the result of these high-level meetings, Bangladesh scrapped mandatory physical inspection of imports from Pakistan, abolished the special security desk at the Dhaka airport established to scrutinize Pakistani passengers and easing the visa requirements for Pakistanis. These measures led to confidence building in both sides eventually leading to first cargo consignment delivered from Karachi to Chittagong through sea route. This shall enhance trade between both countries and people to people contact will be easy to establish.
Additionally, Bangladesh have accepted Pakistan’s proposal to train the Bangladesh army. The army training will start in February, 2025. Bangladesh has also announced its participation in AMAN 2025 naval exercise. Participating in the AMAN exercise signals strong will of Bangladesh to engage in defense field with Pakistan for regional security and shared challenges. Although, every year three Bangladeshi officers come to National Defence University, Pakistan for their War Course and defense cooperation under the ambit of UN peace keeping missions have been a significant element of both the militaries, but this is an important development as it will be first instance of such high-level cooperation in defense field between two countries post 1971.
On the other hand, India is trying to project these developments as threat to its security which has no concrete basis. The analysts in New Delhi believe that bolstering of ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan will have repercussions for the security of its northeastern states specifically after the physical presence of Paksitani Army in Bangladesh. It has also blamed Yunus’s administration of surge in violence against minorities including the Hindu communities which may increase the illegal migration. Consequently, it has increased the security in the border areas, installed technical instruments to detect any illegal movement and increased troops movement of border security force. India is taking such measures out of its fear of China as well which it thinks may establish its presence near the famous chicken neck corridor, which connects these northeastern states with rest of India, under the guise of development work with Bangladesh. These notions have already been rejected by Bangladesh several times and has said that India is exaggerating over the violence incidents.
Moreover, India needs to acknowledge the fact that military to military cooperation is an international norm and AMAN exercise include 50 nations involving major powers like the US, China, Russia and others. This exercise has been a hallmark of inclusivity and a platform of dialogue and cooperation between several maritime powers, focusing on secure maritime environment. While, historically India itself has been the aggressor by meddling into the internal affairs of Pakistan in 1971 and then a record of interference in other neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka have led to anti India sentiments in these countries. India needs to understand that its hegemonic designs are leading to its isolation in the region.
The defense cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh is for the enhancement of regional peace and security and integration of the South Asian region as envisioned by Muhammad Yunus and Shehbaz Sharif in their interactions. The strong will shown by both leaders for reviving SAARC is a testimony to building the cooperation among South Asian nations contrary to the sabotaging SAARC in 2016 by India. Since then, SAARC has not been able to play any role in the region. Bangladesh holds more responsibility for reviving SAARC as it was the brain child of the Bangladeshi President Zia Ur Rehman in 1980. Its revival can be a ray of hope for South Asian countries to get together on single platform for shared future.
In conclusion, the interim government of Bangladesh has moved forward in resetting the diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Islamabad has also shown positive response but there is a need to expedite to formalize the agreements. The academic linkages, people to people contacts and cultural exchanges is necessary to further strengthen the relationship as mutual cooperation in low political areas is the way forward.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of South Asia Strategic Research Center (GASAM)
