GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 11th Sept. Bangladesh witnessed a major political shift in August 2024 as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down amidst widespread protests. Known for her relatively softer stance towards India and strained relations with Pakistan, Hasina’s departure has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s diplomatic landscape. Pakistan, which has struggled to improve its relations with Bangladesh since the latter’s independence in 1971, now sees an opportunity with the new government.
Pakistani journalist and YouTuber Kamran Yousaf has highlighted potential avenues for improving relations between Islamabad and Dhaka under the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. Yousaf notes that the longstanding cold relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh was largely due to Hasina’s tenure, during which Bangladesh’s stance on various platforms was often aligned with India against Pakistan.
Yousaf outlined three key developments that could reshape Pakistan-Bangladesh relations:
Diplomatic Engagement: With Hasina’s departure, there is an expectation that Pakistani diplomats in Bangladesh will receive equal status and recognition as their counterparts from other countries. Previously, Pakistani diplomats faced significant restrictions, while Indian diplomats enjoyed greater respect.
Revival of Forums: Bilateral forums designed to enhance economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries had largely become inactive during Hasina’s time. There is now hope that these forums will be revitalized, fostering better bilateral ties.
Addressing Historical Grievances: The issue of the 1971 war remains a contentious point. Under previous administrations, there were attempts to address this, such as former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s visit and apology. However, Hasina’s government reignited tensions by demanding a formal apology. Pakistan hopes to resolve this issue with the new administration, having already initiated dialogue with Yunus’s government.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh has recently engaged with Yunus’s government to address these longstanding issues, with the hope that improved relations will follow. The changing political dynamics in Bangladesh present a new opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild its relationship with its neighbor.
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