Dhaka: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed formal bilateral talks on Thursday after a 13-year hiatus, signaling a renewed commitment to improving relations between the two South Asian neighbors. The meeting took place at the Padma State Guest House in Dhaka, as reported by a private news channel.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin led their respective delegations in this long-awaited dialogue. According to sources, the discussions spanned a wide range of areas, including trade, education, communication, regional peace, and other matters of mutual interest.
This high-level engagement comes on the heels of a noticeable thaw in relations following the recent change in political leadership in Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources indicate that ties between the two countries have been on an upward trajectory since the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid from office.
The renewed dialogue reflects both nations’ intent to move past historical tensions and work collaboratively on shared goals. The meeting was described as cordial and constructive, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the progress made in recent months.
The talks in Dhaka follow an earlier meeting on March 8, when Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. That understanding was reached during a sideline meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Bangladesh’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Md. Touhid Hossain, during the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah.
Further reinforcing the warming of ties, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have also held several informal meetings on the sidelines of major international events. These include the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the D-8 Summit in Cairo. All interactions have been characterized as friendly, with both leaders expressing a clear interest in strengthening cooperation in regional and global affairs.
The talks in Dhaka on Thursday focused on a forward-looking agenda, with both countries acknowledging the need for expanded cooperation in education exchange programs, enhanced trade links, improved communication networks, and joint efforts to ensure regional peace and stability.
Both foreign secretaries welcomed the resumption of dialogue and reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to sustaining momentum through continued diplomatic engagement. The discussions are seen as laying the groundwork for more frequent bilateral interactions, high-level visits, and practical steps to boost economic and cultural ties.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to hold regular consultations and maintain open channels of communication at all levels. This development marks a promising new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, with both nations poised to explore new avenues of cooperation built on mutual respect, shared interests, and regional harmony.
