According to Bangladeshi media, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Tawheed Hussain has said that they do not want enmity with Pakistan, only friendship will be beneficial. Bangladesh wants to normalize relations with Pakistan. We want friendship with everyone.
He said that there is no benefit in enmity with Pakistan at this time. Amid the changing dynamics of foreign policy following the violent end of the Awami League’s 15-year rule, relations with India have significantly changed, becoming frosty. Relations with Pakistan are likely to be reassessed.
The advisor said that despite the tension of the past, there should be smooth relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. We want everyone to be happy with this change. Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi often described the bilateral relationship as a golden chapter. Advisor Tawheed said that the previous government appreciated these relations as a golden chapter, this relationship was between most governments. Relationships should be people-centered.
After fifteen years, Pakistan and Bangladesh are coming closer to each other. According to the Dhaka Tribune, Pakistan has announced a new visa policy under which citizens of 126 countries, including Bangladesh, will be able to travel to Pakistan without visa fees.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ahmed Maruf announced this when he called on Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Jahangir Alam Chaudhary on Monday.
He urged the restoration of direct flights between the two countries to increase bilateral trade. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operated the last direct flight between the two countries in 2018.
Apart from this, Pakistan also called for the resumption of direct flights between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh and increase bilateral trade and business.