Bangladesh, Pakistan prioritize connectivity with direct shipping, push for air links
A shared commitment to a 'forward-looking partnership' emerged between the two nations, according to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry. Recognising connectivity as a priority, Bangladesh and Pakistan have welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, and emphasised the importance of resuming direct air links. They also expressed satisfaction over the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation.
A shared commitment to a "forward-looking partnership" emerged, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the foreign secretary-level talks.
However, the statement did not mention Bangladesh’s core demands, which were raised during the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on Thursday.
During the meeting, Bangladesh sought a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971, stressing that all unresolved historical issues must be addressed to place bilateral relations on a solid foundation.
Bangladesh raised several longstanding issues with Pakistan, including the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, its fair share of undivided assets—amounting to $4.32 billion—the transfer of foreign aid sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone, and a formal apology for the 1971 genocide.
“As a friendly neighbour in South Asia, we seek Pakistan’s cooperation in building a strong, welfare-oriented, and forward-looking relationship by resolving these unresolved historical issues at the earliest. We emphasised the importance of working together towards that end,” said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The talks—led by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch—were held after a gap of 15 years, and “reflected a shared resolve” to revitalise bilateral engagement.
The two sides held a comprehensive exchange on political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, underpinned by a shared history, cultural affinities, and common aspirations of their peoples.
Satisfaction was expressed over recent high-level contacts in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have helped reenergise the bilateral relationship.
Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, the early finalisation of pending agreements, and enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity.
Pakistan offered academic opportunities in its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh extended offers of technical training in fisheries and maritime studies.
The Bangladeshi side also acknowledged scholarship offers from private universities in Pakistan and emphasised the need for deeper cooperation in the education sector.
Bangladesh appreciated recent performances by renowned Pakistani artists in Dhaka, while the Pakistani side encouraged reciprocal cultural exchanges.
The two sides also discussed prospects for broader cooperation in sports, media, and cultural institutions, including the finalisation of various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in these areas, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On multilateral issues, both sides reaffirmed the need to revitalise Saarc in line with its founding principles.
The Pakistani foreign secretary appreciated the vision of Bangladesh’s leadership and expressed hope that the Saarc process would remain insulated from bilateral political considerations.
While reviewing the situation in the Middle East, both sides strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and grave human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza.
