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

[Bilal9]

Imran’s comment on Mujib, Yahya sparks debate

On May 26, Imran’s official account shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: ‘Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.’

www.newagebd.net

Imran's comment on Mujib, Yahya sparks debate

View attachment 6230

The Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan has summoned PTI leaders Gohar and Omar Ayub and party spokesperson Raoof Hasan regarding the 'misuse' of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan's X account for disseminating incendiary content against state institutions, it emerged on Saturday.

On May 26, Imran's official account shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: 'Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.'

The video argued that the former military dictator was the one actually responsible for the country's breakup, referring to alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the civil war, reports Dawn.

The video also interspersed images of the current civilian and military leadership, alleging that they stole the party's mandate in the general elections.

The post generated intense blowback and controversy, particularly from the government ranks. An investigation has been launched by the Federal Investigation Agency's Cyber Wing into the post.


​

Wow - this is supposed to stir controversy for sure. Implicating General Yahya ultimately points to blaming the Pakistani Military Establishment for the loss of East Pakistan.

One thing for certain, Yahya Khan wasn't fond of Bengalis and Bengalis weren't that fond of him in return. This unfortunate circumstance led to many rash decisions taken during martial law rule in East Pakistan with predictable results. Some do agree that the decision of finalizing the "Udhar tum - Idhar hum" philosophy in letting go of East Pakistan lay finally on Bhutto, Yahya and others in the Martial Law administration.

Here is a US Directorate of Intelligence and Research note sent to Washington about Pakistan Army officers including Yahya Khan who was already appointed Full General and of course, CMLA.

0326_69_intelligence_note

However making this political capital is rather pointless now - we should all work toward bettering the lives of people in both countries by increasing trade, opening up markets and increasing people-to-people cultural exchanges. Our economies are largely complementary in many ways and making an FTA for starters will only increase the wealth on both sides.

We in Bangladesh should work more intensely to reduce the barriers of open trade with Pakistan, more inline with what we do with India. It remains to be seen, but this is bound to happen with or without Hasina as leader.​

 

[Old School]

Wow - this is supposed to stir controversy for sure. Implicating General Yahya ultimately points to blaming the Pakistani Military Establishment for the loss of East Pakistan.

One thing for certain, Yahya Khan wasn't fond of Bengalis and Bengalis weren't that fond of him in return. This unfortunate circumstance led to many rash decisions taken during martial law rule in East Pakistan with predictable results. Some do agree that the decision of finalizing the "Udhar tum - Idhar hum" philosophy in letting go of East Pakistan lay finally on Bhutto, Yahya and others in the Marshall Law administration.

Here is a US Directorate of Intelligence and Research note sent to Washington about Pakistan Army officers including Yahya Khan who was already appointed Full General and of course, CMLA.

0326_69_intelligence_note

However making this political capital is rather pointless now - we should all work toward bettering the lives of people in both countries by increasing trade, opening up markets and increasing people-to-people cultural exchanges. Our economies are largely complementary in many ways and making an FTA for starters will only increase the wealth on both sides.

We in Bangladesh should work more intensely to reduce the barriers of open trade with Pakistan, more inline with what we do with India. It remains to be seen, but this is bound to happen with or without Hasina as leader.​

One thing most people overlook is the backdrop of the Cold War during the East Pakistan crisis, which intensified following the 1965 war with India. Ultimately, two superpowers- the USA and the USSR, played vital strategic roles in the decision-making process through their regional pawns, Bhutto ( USSR), Yahya (USA/USSR) and his most generals(USA), Indira(USSR), and Mujib(USSR), who didn't have as much to say as the general public believed. The USA wanted to prevent another communist state in Pakistan, and the USSR wanted to spread communism to Pakistan and Afghanistan, and if successful, then India in the end. This is how an informed analyst would see those events as opposed to what a rudimentary newspaper reader usually does.

 

[Saif]

BNP discusses bilateral issues, regional ties with Pak envoy

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof called on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson's political office at Gulshan on Friday. Later, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed the medi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP discusses bilateral issues, regional ties with Pak envoy
Five-day prog afoot to mark 46th founding anniv
FE REPORT
Published :
Aug 24, 2024 09:16
Updated :
Aug 24, 2024 09:16

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof called on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson's political office at Gulshan on Friday.

Later, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed the media about the meeting.

"We have had a meeting with the Pakistan high commissioner. We discussed multiple bilateral issues ranging from trade and business over the changed scenario," he said.

"We discussed ways to further our bilateral relations by showing mutual respect and also focused on mutual cooperation among South Asian nations in the coming days," continued Mr Khasru.

Bilateral trade and business run on the basis of comparative advantages. Bangladesh economy lagged behind others for years in terms of comparative advantages, according to him.

"... There will be a level-playing field in Bangladesh," asserted Mr Khasru, adding: "We'll cooperate with each other based on respective comparative advantages between the two countries and the entire region."

"South Asia is a least integrated region (in the world) as we are lagging behind other regional blocs in terms of mutual cooperation..."

Mr Khasru said, "BNP's foreign policy is friendship with all. Based on it, we talked about moving together by cooperating with each other in all areas."

The BNP believes people will benefit from an economic level-playing field that was absent in the past (during the tenure of the Hasina administration), according to him.

"We believe we'll be able to move forward bilaterally and regionally (in South Asia) through mutual cooperation and levelling the field for all."

Meanwhile, the BNP has taken preparations for a five-day programme marking its 46th founding anniversary in festive mood.

The party will hold discussions in all cities and districts on August 31.

It will hoist party and national flags at offices countrywide early morning, and place wreaths and offer doa at the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman on September 01.

Rallies will be held at all districts and upazilas on September 02. Fish fries will be released at metropolitan cities, districts, upazilas and unions on September 03. Saplings will be planted across the country on September 04.

The associate bodies of the nationalist party will also hold discussions celebrating its birthday.​

 

[Saif]

Dr. Yunus for SAARC’s revival for enhanced regional cooperation

The Pakistan High Commissioner requested easing visa procedures for Pakistani citizens to Bangladesh and direct flights between the two countries

en.prothomalo.com

Dr. Yunus for SAARC’s revival for enhanced regional cooperation
BSSDhaka
Published: 27 Aug 2024, 23: 03

Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Syed Ahmed Maroof pays a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on 27 August 2024BSS

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus Tuesday called for the revival of the SAARC for enhanced regional cooperation in an effort to boost economic cooperation in the South Asian region.

“SAARC could be a model of relationships like the European Union. We must work together for mutual benefits,” he said when Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Syed Ahmed Maroof paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, the Pakistan envoy underscored the necessity for reinvigorating the trade and economic relations and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

He expressed willingness and emphasised the importance for strengthening bilateral relations as well as cooperation at multilateral platforms.

Maroof conveyed that Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and its people were deeply perturbed by the devastation caused by the ongoing floods in Bangladesh.

He said Pakistan stands ready to assist Bangladesh.

The Pakistan High Commissioner requested easing visa procedures for Pakistani citizens to Bangladesh and direct flights between the two countries.

He highlighted the necessity for increased engagement on the existing bilateral mechanism between the two countries.

Maroof also congratulated Bangladesh on its men’s cricket team’s maiden Test victory against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.​

 

[Saif]

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif calls Chief Adviser Dr Yunus

The Pakistan prime minister expressed his best wishes to the chief adviser and hoped that the goodwill between the two South Asian countries would be translated into substantial cooperation for the benefit of their peoples

en.prothomalo.com

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif calls Chief Adviser Dr Yunus
BSSDhaka
Updated: 30 Aug 2024, 23: 04

Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus (L) and Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif BSS

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called Dr. Muhammad Yunus over telephone on Friday, congratulating him on his assumption of the leadership of the interim government of Bangladesh.

The Pakistan prime minister expressed his best wishes to the chief adviser and hoped that the goodwill between the two South Asian countries would be translated into substantial cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.

Chief adviser Dr. Yunus thanked Pakistan prime minister Sharif for the phone call and the congratulatory message received from him following his swearing-in as the Bangladesh chief adviser after a student-led revolution, the chief adviser’s press wing said.

He also thanked the Pakistan prime minister for sending a message conveying sympathy and solidarity of the people of Pakistan for the flood victims of Bangladesh.

Sharif expressed his willingness to provide support for the people affected by the floods in southern and southeastern parts of Bangladesh.

He emphasised the need to revitalise relations between the two nations, saying there remains immense potential in expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The Pakistan prime minister underscored the necessity to resume mechanisms like foreign secretary-level consultations and the joint economic commission between Dhaka and Islamabad.

He also stressed the need for reinvigorating the SAARC process.

The chief adviser said he is committed to revitalising SAARC as a top regional forum to boost ties among the South Asian nations.

He highlighted the necessity of holding regular SAARC summits and stressed holding even a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of the SAARC states at the earliest convenience.

Dr. Yunus also called for strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.​

 

[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