[🇧🇩] Bangladesh-Pakistan Relation---Can we look beyond 1971?

[Saif]

Is Pakistan and Bangladesh on the Verge of Massive Trade and Defense Cooperation Pact?

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshis can now travel to Pakistan without paying visa fee

Pakistan has announced a new visa policy allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without a visa fee, to enhance diplomatic and people-to-people ties

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshis can now travel to Pakistan without paying visa fee

Photo: Collected

Pakistan has announced a new visa policy allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without a visa fee, to enhance diplomatic and people-to-people ties.

Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmad Maroof, informed about this development to the Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a meeting held today at the Secretariat, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the high commissioner highlighted that the new visa policy, which was introduced two weeks ago, aims to simplify travel procedures and promote tourism and business between Pakistan and the included countries.

Bangladesh, being one of the 126 nations on the list, stands to benefit from this initiative.

Maroof emphasised that this policy is part of Pakistan's broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation with Bangladesh. He also expressed optimism that the travel arrangement without any visa fee would lead to increased interactions in various sectors, including trade, education, and cultural exchanges.

In addition to the visa policy, the meeting also covered discussions on resuming direct flights between the two countries, which had been suspended since 2018. The envoy stressed the importance of reinstating these flights to further facilitate travel and business engagements between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The new visa policy is expected to be a major step forward in improving bilateral relations, which have seen a period of relative stagnation over the past 15 years. Both sides agreed on the need to overcome past challenges and work towards a more collaborative future.

Senior officials from both countries, including Kamran Dhangal, Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, and home ministry officials were present at the time.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Pakistan to expedite bilateral trade, commerce

Adviser to the interim government on the finance and commerce ministries Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday put emphasis on expediting the existing trade and commerce relations between...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh, Pakistan to expedite bilateral trade, commerce
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 10 September, 2024, 22:19

| BSS photo

Adviser to the interim government on the finance and commerce ministries Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday put emphasis on expediting the existing trade and commerce relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan which had long been remained stagnant.

‘Trade and commerce with Pakistan had long been stagnant due to various reasons,’ he said.

The adviser was talking to reporters after Pakistan high commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof met him at his ERD office in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the day.

When asked about boosting the bilateral trade, Salehuddin said that he suggested the Pakistan high commissioner to pursue and engage more the private sector in this regard rather than relying only on G2G process.

He said that the Pakistan high commissioner had shown their keen interest in Bangladesh’s jute products since it was very attractive having a wide variation of products.

‘It was beyond their imagination...they will participate in an exhibition and they will try to promote and import more jute-made goods if their entrepreneurs are convinced. Our businesses can also import products from them if they are convinced,’ he added.

Salehuddin said that Pakistan would also try to relaunch direct flight like Dhaka-Karachi if that was commercially viable.

Regarding boosting economic cooperation, the finance adviser said that there were some issues like technical assistance while projects could be taken in joint cooperation. ‘But, many surrounding matters like interests of both the countries should have to be considered,’ he said.

Noting that Pakistan wanted to start the economic cooperation strongly, he said, ‘But, it can’t be opened or launched quickly ....we can’t start immediately, rather we have to make some homework which is also similar to them.’

The Pakistan high commissioner said that they had a wonderful discussion regarding the economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. ‘We discussed every aspect of that and we are looking forward to have a greater and in-depth economic and trade cooperation as well as interaction with Bangladesh in the coming years,’ he added.

Asked about the possible cooperation from Pakistan under the current circumstances, the Pakistan envoy said, ‘At the moment, we feel that the assistance that we can provide ...we again reiterated that the post flood situation in Bangladesh where we can provide some assistance ...and we are waiting. The offer stands as made by our prime minister like several days ago when he called on chief adviser,’

‘So, that offer is still there and I shared this with the finance adviser and we are ready to assist Bangladesh, the government and the people in post flood relief efforts.’ added the Pakistan high commissioner.​

 

[Saif]

Pakistan seeks early resumption of direct flights with Bangladesh

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof on Tuesday requested Bangladesh to ease visas for Pakistani nationals to Bangladesh for further advancing the trade and economic relations between the two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact. He also underscored the need fo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pakistan seeks early resumption of direct flights with Bangladesh
UNB
Published :
Sep 10, 2024 21:11
Updated :
Sep 10, 2024 21:12

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof on Tuesday requested Bangladesh to ease visas for Pakistani nationals to Bangladesh for further advancing the trade and economic relations between the two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact.

He also underscored the need for early resumption of direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan by either Bangladeshi or Pakistani airlines.

The envoy paid a courtesy call on the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim government Md Touhid Hossain today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues.

Referring to his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, High Commissioner Maroof assured the full support of the Government of Pakistan in any initiative to reinvigorate the SAARC and expressed hope that Bangladesh and Pakistan will continue to work closely at other multilateral fora.

The High Commissioner expressed hope that the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief Adviser would be meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA in New York, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The envoy congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his appointment as the Foreign Affairs Adviser.

He referred to the congratulatory messages of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Chief Adviser and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to work with the interim government of Bangladesh for the benefit of the people of both countries.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan emphasized the need to strengthen relations between the two countries.

He emphasized the necessity of resuming the activities of the existing bilateral mechanisms like Foreign Secretary-level Consultations and Joint Economic Commission.

The Foreign Affairs Adviser also underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral relations and assured to extend necessary cooperation for further advancing the ties.

He also emphasized the importance of revitalizing SAARC to foster strong regional cooperation for the benefit of the people of the region.​

 

[Saif]

It's the Bengalis who convinced Jinnah that Muslims in the subcontinent need a separate country to thwart Hindu dominance.


Pakistan And Bangladesh: A Powerful Alliance Shaking India

 

[Krishna with Flute]

If Pakistan can use its geo-strategic location, it can become a trading hub for South, Central and West Asia. To become an economic powerhouse all Pakistan needs is political stability.

How Pakistan be a trading hub merely because of geo strategic location? Can you please elaborate?

 

[Saif]

How Pakistan be a trading hub merely because of geo strategic location? Can you please elaborate?

Pakistan is a land bridge between South, Central and West Asia. If they can build multinational road network to connect South, Central and West Asia they can easily become a business hub. Unfortunately, despite its huge geographical size, India does not have the kind of geostrategic importance that Pakistan has.

 

[ThunderCat]

These Bangladesh vs Pakistan threads are a joke. No Pakistani would dream of migrating to Bangladesh knowing how overcrowded and polluted it is.

The people there live in probably the least hygienic conditions. No GDP numbers are going to change that only sustainability will.

This is the same kind of hype that came out of Delhi for the past 25 years and here they still are, a third world hellhole.

Bangladesh is probably even worse.

 

[Bilal9]

These Bangladesh vs Pakistan threads are a joke. No Pakistani would dream of migrating to Bangladesh knowing how overcrowded and polluted it is.

The people there live in probably the least hygienic conditions. No GDP numbers are going to change that only sustainability will.

This is the same kind of hype that came out of Delhi for the past 25 years and here they still are, a third world hellhole.

Bangladesh is probably even worse.

No one is suggesting Pakistanis "migrate" to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh may be overcrowded and polluted.

There is - however, plenty of opportunity for trade.

The Pakistani High Commissioner suggested the exact same thing to the head of the interim govt. in Bangladesh.

I am not in the "comparison" business comparing countries.

Bangladesh is not very much smaller than Pakistan population-wise.

And the Bangladeshi middle class is not any less capable in affording things that are made or grown in Pakistan.

Mutual trade could help the economy in Pakistan.

Indians have been doing $45 Billion worth of business with us yearly.

Pakistan is seen as a great substitute country for sourcing agri and mfd. goods as well as machinery and industrial inputs.

Pakistan can get a chunk of that trade.

That is the intent of both govts.

There is mutual interest in trade which is a good place to start.

Bhai @PakistanProud - would you agree?

 

[ThunderCat]

No one is suggesting Pakistanis "migrate" to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh may be overcrowded and polluted.

There is - however, plenty of opportunity for trade.

The Pakistani High Commissioner suggested the exact same thing to the head of the interim govt. in Bangladesh.

I am not in the "comparison" business comparing countries.

Bangladesh is not very much smaller than Pakistan population-wise.

And the Bangladeshi middle class is not any less capable in affording things that are made or grown in Pakistan.

Mutual trade could help the economy in Pakistan.

Indians have been doing $45 Billion worth of business with us yearly.

Pakistan is seen as a great substitute country for sourcing agri and mfd. goods as well as machinery and industrial inputs.

Pakistan can get a chunk of that trade.

That is the intent of both govts.

There is mutual interest in trade which is a good place to start.

Bhai @PakistanProud - would you agree?

Just glad to know you're not in the comparison business. We've seen too much of that.

 

[Bilal9]

Just glad to know you're not in the comparison business. We've seen too much of that.

I have had Pakistanis as my immediate family members for decades - end of story.

 

[Bilal9]

How Pakistan be a trading hub merely because of geo strategic location? Can you please elaborate?

Please read, then come up with specific questions.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Lulldapull]

We should unconditionally apologize to Bangladesh for the past junk behavior of our un-elected leaders and make it right. Bangladeshi are our brothers.

 

[Bilal9]

We should unconditionally apologize to Bangladesh for the past junk behavior of our un-elected leaders and make it right. Bangladeshi are our brothers.

Bangladeshis have always been steadfast brothers for Pakistan and Pakistanis - no doubt.

And will remain so for the future. No need for apologies among brothers.

We have too much in common to think otherwise.

 

[ThunderCat]

I have had Pakistanis as my immediate family members for decades - end of story.

Even if you didn't, there is no need for this kind of hostility that many nationalistic Bangladeshis keep inciting.

I just don't place you in the same labeling as them since there are like-minded Bangladeshis.

Even with regards to 1971 a few Bangladeshi intellects have questioned the official narrative. SO it's not like reason is subjugated to nationality.

 

[ThunderCat]

We should unconditionally apologize to Bangladesh for the past junk behavior of our un-elected leaders and make it right. Bangladeshi are our brothers.

I would disagree there, not because I am Pakistani but because the events of 1971 were not as propagated. Not that I hold all Bangladeshis in contempt, just those who misrepresent the events of 1971.

There are Bengalis in this documentary who speak truthfully Separation of East Pakistan: The Untold Story (2021)

 

[Lulldapull]

Even if you didn't, there is no need for this kind of hostility that many nationalistic Bangladeshis keep inciting.

I just don't place you in the same labeling as them since there are like-minded Bangladeshis.

Even with regards to 1971 a few Bangladeshi intellects have questioned the official narrative. SO it's not like reason is subjugated to nationality.

India played the role of a conspirator and ensured the break up of Pakistan. We are not going to become one again, but trade relations must be started ASAP. All these years, India didn't even allow Bangladesh to trade with us. It's taken Bangladesh half a century to free itself from total Indian control. Pakistan Bangla trade will be boon for our economy.

 

[Bilal9]

Even if you didn't, there is no need for this kind of hostility that many nationalistic Bangladeshis keep inciting.

I just don't place you in the same labeling as them since there are like-minded Bangladeshis.

Even with regards to 1971 a few Bangladeshi intellects have questioned the official narrative. SO it's not like reason is subjugated to nationality.

Bhai - 1971 was fifty three years ago and Tikka Khan, Yahya and Bhutto are all six feet under. As is Mujib.

I believe it is time to move on. Only people who benefit in Bangladesh by bringing up 1971 is what we call "freedom war fraudsters". They are just in it to line their pockets - the cabal of Hasina.

Bangladeshis have all wised up.

 

[ThunderCat]

Bangladeshis have all wised up.

You definitely seem to have. I can only wish the same could be stated about the rest of Bangladeshis.

 

[ThunderCat]

India played the role of a conspirator and ensured the break up of Pakistan. We are not going to become one again, but trade relations must be started ASAP. All these years, India didn't even allow Bangladesh to trade with us. It's taken Bangladesh half a century to free itself from total Indian control. Pakistan Bangla trade will be boon for our economy.

It wasn't as simple as the Indian conspiracy- although that documentary clearly also documents it. There was fault on the part of West Pakistan, East Pakistan as well as Bharat making use of it. Watch the documentary.

 

[Lulldapull]

It wasn't as simple as the Indian conspiracy- although that documentary clearly also documents it. There was fault on the part of West Pakistan, East Pakistan as well as Bharat making use of it. Watch the documentary.

I did watch it and what a great documentary it is. India will always undermine us bro……it’s like a dead albatross we wear around our necks. They will never drop the hatchet.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Please read, then come up with specific questions.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

China Pakistan Economic corridor is officially ended.

 

[ThunderCat]

I did watch it and what a great documentary it is. India will always undermine us bro……it’s like a dead albatross we wear around our necks. They will never drop the hatchet.

Their problem is they see our country as "their land." This is how they're trained. They worship our land and our ancestors as "theirs."

Afghans also pose a similar problem to us.

 

[ThunderCat]

China Pakistan Economic corridor is officially ended.

It has?

 

[Bilal9]

China Pakistan Economic corridor is officially ended.

It may or may not have ended, but the roads are still open. Or if closed, can be re-opened.

The need for the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China-Pakistan area at the top of CPEC to have a sea-port outlet has not gone away.

This is one of the many reasons why Pakistan is geo-politically important to China's land locked central Asian areas and other countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and even Uzbekistan.

I asked you to take a look at the Wiki page but you have no interest in discussing specifics.