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

[Saif]

Pakistan PM wishes quick recovery of Khaleda

Describing BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his best wishes for a swift and complete recovery of the former Bangladesh Prime Minister. "I am perturbed to learn about your health iss

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pakistan PM wishes quick recovery of Khaleda
UNB
Published :
Feb 02, 2025 20:59
Updated :
Feb 02, 2025 20:59

Describing BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia as a towering figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his best wishes for a swift and complete recovery of the former Bangladesh Prime Minister.

"I am perturbed to learn about your health issues and wish to convey my best wishes for your swift and complete recovery,” said PM Sharif in an official letter addressed to the BNP leader.

He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s significant contributions to Bangladesh's politics. “You have been a towering figure in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Your unwavering dedication to public service remains an inspiration to many,” he wrote in the letter dated January 31.

The Pakistan PM prayed for her good health and well-being. “Our thoughts are with you, your family, and your supporters during this period. May Allah the Almighty protect you from all ailments and grant you good health,” he said.

BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan confirmed the letter on Sunday.

The three-time former prime minister, Khaleda Zia, has long been suffering from liver cirrhosis, kidney and heart issues, diabetes, and arthritis.

She left Dhaka for London in early January aboard a special air ambulance sent by the Emir of Qatar to receive advanced treatment at the London Clinic.

The 79-year-old, Khaleda Zia, was admitted to the London Clinic on January 8 and discharged from the clinic on January 25. Since then she has continued her medical treatment at her son Tarique Rahman's residence under the supervision of Professor John Patrick Kennedy and Professor Jennifer Cross, both of whom have been overseeing her care at the clinic.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh approves Fly Jinnah for Karachi-Dhaka route

Bangladesh has approved Pakistan’s private airline, Fly Jinnah, to operate direct flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route, resuming air connectivity between the two cities after nearly a decade

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh approves Fly Jinnah for Karachi-Dhaka route

Representational Image

Bangladesh has approved Pakistan's private airline, Fly Jinnah, to operate direct flights on the Karachi-Dhaka route, resuming air connectivity between the two cities after nearly a decade.

"They (Fly Jinnah) applied to us, and we have approved it," Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan told The Daily Star this evening.

Before launching operations, Fly Jinnah has to appoint a local General Sales Agent (GSA) in Bangladesh.

"Now they (Fly Jinnah) will appoint a GSA (General Sales Agent). Once they request slots and frequencies, we will provide them. Our part is currently complete," Bhuiyan said.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan's state-owned flag carrier, last operated direct flights on this route until February 2015.

Fly Jinnah, a budget airline, is a joint venture between Pakistan's Lakson Group and UAE-based Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier headquartered in Sharjah.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh imports 5,500MTs molasses from Pakistan

For the first time, Bangladesh has imported molasses from Pakistan through Mongla Port...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh imports 5,500MTs molasses from Pakistan
Staff Correspondent 06 February, 2025, 23:43

Commodore Md Shafiqul Islam Sarker, member (harbour & marine) of the Mongla Port Authority, addresses a press conference in the port area on Thursday. | Press release

For the first time, Bangladesh has imported molasses from Pakistan through Mongla Port.

The Panama-flagged vessel MT Dolphin-19 arrived at Mongla Port Thursday morning, carrying 5,500 metric tonnes of molasses from Karachi Port, Pakistan, said a press release.

According to Mongla Port Authority, the vessel departed from Karachi Port on January 22.

Commodore Md Shafiqul Islam Sarker, member (harbour & marine) of the port authority, Md Kamal Hossain, director (traffic), among others, spoke at a press conference after the arrival of the vessel.​

 

[Saif]

Pakistan FM likely to visit Dhaka in April: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said that there was no reason to maintain strained relations with Pakistan, as he disclosed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Dhaka in April. “We are assuming that Pakistan&rsq

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pakistan FM likely to visit Dhaka in April: Touhid
BSS
Published :
Feb 06, 2025 20:32
Updated :
Feb 06, 2025 20:32

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said that there was no reason to maintain strained relations with Pakistan, as he disclosed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Dhaka in April.

“We are assuming that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister will visit. However, the exact date has not been finalised yet. But I don’t think it (visit) will be before April,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the foreign ministry this afternoon.

He added, “Both sides are working on it (regarding the visit). There is still time, and we will make some decisions in the meantime.”

When asked whether Dhaka would raise the issue of Pakistan’s apology for its role in 1971 and compensation for Bangladesh, Hossain acknowledged that unresolved issues between the two countries remain even after 53 years and said these matters would be brought up during discussions.

However, he said, “If we remain fixated on those issues, neither side will benefit. We will, of course, try to protect and recover our interests, but at the same time, we want to view our relations with Pakistan as we would with any other country. We do not want to perceive our relationship with them negatively.”

Hossain emphasised that Dhaka views Pakistan as a South Asian nation with which both countries share mutual interests.

The adviser also pointed out that maritime connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan has already resumed, bringing positive economic benefits. “We will try to maximise our benefits from this opportunity,” he added.

Responding to another query, the foreign adviser said the previous Awami League-led government intentionally strained relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which did not serve the interests of either country.​

 

[Saif]

Pakistan foreign minister likely to visit Bangladesh next month

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the foreign minister of the country, would visit Bangladesh in April this year at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. Local news portals said Pakistan foreign ministry’s additional secretary (Asia

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Pakistan foreign minister likely to visit Bangladesh next month
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 05, 2025 21:08
Updated :
Mar 06, 2025 00:07

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who is also the foreign minister of the country, would visit Bangladesh in April this year at the invitation of Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.

Local news portals said Pakistan foreign ministry’s additional secretary (Asia Pacific) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui arrived in Dhaka as part of preparation for their foreign minister’s upcoming Dhaka visit.

According to BSS, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui held a meeting with Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Siddiqui carried a letter from Pakistan’s foreign minister addressed to Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser and handed it over to the Foreign Secretary, said a press release.

They also discussed the importance of holding the foreign secretary-level consultations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, the last meeting of which was held in 2010, and the meeting of the Joint Economic Commission, the last meeting of which was held in 2005.

During the meeting, both sides recalled the substantive discussion between Bangladesh's Chief Adviser and Pakistan's Prime Minister during their meetings in Cairo on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in December 2024 and in New York in September 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th UNGA.

They also recalled the meeting between Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting in Apia, Samoa in October 2024.

The discussion also covered the issue of strengthening cooperation to enhance trade and reduce the trade gap.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over the recent visits of several trade delegations from Pakistan to Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of visits by the product-specific trade delegations from Bangladesh to Pakistan.

Cooperation in the sectors of tourism, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, the issue of forcibly displaced Rohingyas and cooperation in the international forum were also discussed.

The importance of strengthened regional and multilateral cooperation through SAARC, OIC, and D-8 was also highlighted.

Siddiqui was accompanied by Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh eyes Pakistan as emerging sourcing destination

Bangladesh stands to benefit from enhanced trade ties with Pakistan as local traders are optimistic about getting more competitive prices and a broader range of raw material sources.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh eyes Pakistan as emerging sourcing destination

Bangladesh stands to benefit from enhanced trade ties with Pakistan as local traders are optimistic about getting more competitive prices and a broader range of raw material sources.

Currently, trade dynamics favour Pakistan, with Bangladesh importing cotton, yarn, fabrics, and essential commodities from the country.

However, these imports are still considerably lower than those from China and India -- Bangladesh's top two trading partners.

Historically, the trade relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been lukewarm, preventing Pakistan from becoming a major sourcing hub.

For instance, Bangladesh exported goods worth $39.77 million to Pakistan in the July–December of the current fiscal year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

In the fiscal year 2023–24, Bangladesh's exports to Pakistan totalled $61.98 million, a 31.78 percent decline from $83.59 million in 2022–23.

This was far outweighed by Bangladesh's imports from Pakistan, which stood at $372.1 million in the July-December period of FY25, according to Bangladesh Bank data. In FY24, imports from Pakistan amounted to $627.8 million, down from $698.7 million in FY23.

Although there are no formal trade restrictions between the two South Asian neighbours, Pakistan has yet to emerge as a major sourcing destination due to weak trade relations.

In FY24, Bangladesh imported goods worth $16.63 billion from China, representing 26.4 percent of the country's total imports for that year. That same year, imports from India stood at $9 billion, accounting for 14.3 percent of Bangladesh's total imports.

By contrast, imports from Pakistan amounted to just $627.8 million, or 1 percent of the total, making Pakistan Bangladesh's 20th largest import destination.

A majority of this amount, $476.3 million, was spent on cotton imports.

Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development, said that Bangladesh needs a reliable, competitive and diversified supply of key commodities, including food and energy, for future economic growth.

Pakistan could be a valuable sourcing destination in this regard, increasing competition among supplying countries, he added.

The economist said that tariff and non-tariff barriers should be discussed and rationalised between the two governments.

Although Bangladesh enjoys trade privileges with Pakistan under the South Asian Free Trade Agreement as a least developed country, the benefit remains minimal due to low export volumes.

Razzaque does not see an immediate need for a Free Trade Agreement with Pakistan, saying such deals may be prioritised with major trading partners. Moreover, a boost in trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan could also enhance intra-regional commerce in South Asia.

Currently, intra-regional trade accounts for less than 5 percent of South Asia's total overseas trade, partly due to the limited effectiveness of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), which was established in 1985 to increase economic collaboration.

Abul Kasem Khan, former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said Bangladesh would benefit from expanding trade with Pakistan, which has been largely stagnant for the past 15 years.

"It would be a positive development for business," he said, highlighting price competitiveness as a key factor.

Khan said Bangladesh could source Pakistani cotton and denim fabrics at lower, more competitive prices.

Mir Nasir Hossain, a former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), echoed a similar view.

Expanding trade with Pakistan would offer Bangladesh more sourcing options and diversified connectivity, he said, adding that Bangladesh could also increase its exports of jute and tea to Pakistan.

He recalled that during his tenure as FBCCI president in 2005, bilateral trade talks between the two countries gained momentum, but negotiations later stalled.

An FTA between Pakistan and Bangladesh was first proposed in 2002 and discussed again at the 2004 Saarc summit. However, it was not finalised as Pakistan did not accept Bangladesh's request for unilateral and unconditional market access, according to The Atlantic Council, an American think tank in the field of international affairs.

The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), a pan-industry advocacy forum based in Karachi, conducted a study titled "Trade and Investment Opportunities in a Pakistan–Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA)" in 2022.

The report highlights the longstanding trade imbalance in favour of Pakistan.

Pakistani exports to Bangladesh declined from $947.23 million in 2011 to $583.44 million in 2020, while imports from Bangladesh fell from $82.73 million in 2011 to $61.94 million in 2020.

In 2020, Pakistan recorded a trade surplus of $521.5 million with Bangladesh, the biggest in the past decade.

According to the PBC's analysis, Pakistan has an export potential of at least $2.95 billion in Bangladesh, mainly in textiles, agriculture, foodstuffs, chemicals, base metals, plastics and cement products.

The top 25 commodities alone had an estimated export potential of $1.24 billion in 2020, yet Pakistan's actual exports for these items amounted to just $435.78 million, according to the analysis.

To strengthen bilateral trade, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the FBCCI signed a memorandum of understanding on 13 January this year to form the Pakistan–Bangladesh Joint Business Council (PBJBC).

FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman, who led the Bangladeshi delegation at the joint meeting, acknowledged the potential for increased trade.

However, he pointed out that trade volumes remained low, possibly due to political factors.

He also cited weak connectivity as a challenge, saying that the lack of a direct shipping line and visa complications had hampered trade in the past.

However, now Pakistan has eased its visa process for Bangladeshis, offering approval within 24 hours of application.

A direct shipping line is also now in place, so trade with Pakistan is expected to grow significantly, increasing connectivity and engagement between businesses in both countries, he added.

Regarding Pakistan as a sourcing destination for cotton, yarn, and fabrics, Rahman said local textile and garment manufacturers diversified their sourcing strategies a few years ago, with Pakistan becoming one of several key suppliers.

He said Bangladeshi spinners and traders now import cotton from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the US, several African nations and Pakistan, reducing their dependency on India.

Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, said Bangladeshi cotton traders and spinners were importing more cotton from Pakistan due to its competitive pricing.

"Pakistani cotton is much cheaper now because of the heavy devaluation of its currency," he said.

Previously, bulk imports from Pakistan were limited due to weak bilateral relations, but with strengthened trade ties, higher volumes are expected, he added.​