ISLAMABAD: On April 17, 2023, Pakistan and Bangladesh commenced their first Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in 15 years in Dhaka, marking a potential thaw in relations long marred by historical grievances and geopolitical tensions.
This meeting comes on the heels of significant political shifts in Bangladesh following the ousting of pro-India Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid amid a popular student uprising in August last year, creating a new dynamic conducive to renewed engagement between Islamabad and Dhaka.
Having gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh and Pakistan share a complex history that has often hindered their diplomatic ties. However, the interim government in Bangladesh appears to be signaling a readiness to recalibrate relations, especially following a cooling of ties with India.
As reported by the Dhaka-based newspaper Business Standard, the meeting is significant as it marks the first consultation between the two nations since 2010. “Foreign Secretary Muhammad Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch are leading their respective delegations during the meeting at the foreign ministry,” the report stated.
This diplomatic engagement may set the stage for a visit by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh later this month—a notable event, as it would be the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012.
Although official confirmation on Baloch’s visit has not yet been released by Pakistani authorities, the increased dialogue underscores a shared interest in enhancing bilateral relations.
In recent months, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have held discussions on the margins of international forums, such as the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the D-8 Summit in Cairo.
These encounters have been characterized as cordial, with both leaders expressing a mutual eagerness to foster deeper cooperation.
Additionally, Yunus met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok, where they discussed various issues, including Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of the ex-premier Wajid, who is currently in exile in India and has reportedly made several anti-government remarks against Yunus’s interim administration.
As Pakistan and Bangladesh navigate their shared history and evolving political landscapes, the recent developments suggest a cautious yet promising path toward improved bilateral relations.
