Synopsis
On April 16, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka for the first Foreign Office Consultations in 15 years, symbolizing a shift towards improved relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan amidst historical tensions.Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch visits Dhaka.
- First bilateral talks in 15 years.
- Discussions will cover a range of bilateral issues.
- Significant historical topics to be addressed.
- Potential for improved military dialogue.
Dhaka, April 16 (NationPress) The strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan are evident as Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch landed in Dhaka on Wednesday for the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), marking the first such meeting in 15 years.
The high-level discussions between the two South Asian nations are set to occur at the state guest house Padma on Thursday, with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin heading the host delegation.
Both parties are anticipated to address a broad spectrum of bilateral concerns, including long-standing historical issues between the countries.
According to a Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry official, “The two sides are expected to explore the full range of bilateral topics.”
Given the lengthy interval since the last talks, no specific agenda has been predetermined, suggesting that various areas of mutual interest will likely be included in the discussions.
The relationship between Dhaka and Islamabad has been tense throughout the 15-year administration of the former Awami League government, primarily due to matters such as war crimes trials in Bangladesh and wider regional politics. Significant topics in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have consistently revolved around Pakistan's involvement in the 1971 genocide during the Liberation War, the return of stranded assets, and compensation.
However, circumstances have shifted significantly following the establishment of the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in August 2024.
While in Dhaka, Baloch is expected to meet with Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain following the FOC on Thursday.
Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Advisor's Press Secretary, indicated that discussions will encompass all mutually beneficial issues, especially since Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to visit Bangladesh later this month.
In September, Yunus and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met on the margins of the UN General Assembly, where both leaders committed to enhancing bilateral relations.
Earlier this year, four senior ISI officials, including Director General of Analysis Major General Shahid Amin Afsar, visited Dhaka, marking a noteworthy change in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.
Additionally, a Bangladeshi military delegation led by Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, visited Rawalpindi—the core of Pakistan’s military authority—from January 13 to 18, meeting with the heads of the army, navy, and air force, which underscores an evolving military dialogue.
Historically, the two nations have been strained since the traumatic 1971 Liberation War, during which Pakistani forces committed atrocities, including the massacre of millions and the systematic rape of countless Bangladeshi women. Nevertheless, signs of rapprochement are now emerging.
