Bangladesh and Pakistan have taken significant steps toward rebuilding ties, marking a notable shift in South Asian geopolitics. In a surprising turn of events following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, Dhaka has engaged in direct trade with Islamabad for the first time in decades.
The two nations, which share a tumultuous history stemming from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence, have reopened military and diplomatic channels. Last month, Bangladesh imported 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan, and visa procedures between the countries have been simplified. Direct flights have resumed, and there are increasing reports of cooperation in security matters.
Experts suggest that Bangladesh’s evolving foreign policy is a strategic move. Former Bangladeshi diplomat Humayun Kabir stated that relations between the two nations are returning to a "normal neighborly trajectory" after years of strain under Hasina’s leadership. Analysts also note that Bangladesh and Pakistan may be seeking to counterbalance India's regional influence.
High-level meetings between the interim Bangladeshi administration and Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have fueled speculation about deeper collaboration. Military ties have also grown, with a Bangladeshi delegation visiting Pakistan in January and the navy participating in a multinational maritime exercise in February.
India, which historically played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence and has had frosty relations with Pakistan, is closely monitoring these developments. The revival of military ties and Pakistan’s engagement with Islamist parties in Bangladesh have raised concerns in Delhi. Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri described the situation as reminiscent of previous periods when India suspected cross-border insurgency links.
Despite the growing cooperation, unresolved issues from the 1971 war remain a barrier to full normalization. Bangladesh continues to demand a formal apology from Pakistan for war atrocities, a request that Islamabad has yet to acknowledge. Additionally, economic opportunities could be a key focus, with trade between the two nations currently valued at less than $700 million.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Dhaka in April, a move that could further shape the evolving relationship. With Bangladesh’s general elections approaching, its future foreign policy direction remains uncertain. However, India remains watchful, emphasizing the importance of a stable and cooperative Bangladesh for regional security.