Pakistan & Bangladesh FM Discuss Ties, Regional Stability After BNP Victory
- Islamabad and Dhaka are signaling a renewed commitment to bolstering bilateral relations following a change in government in Bangladesh and a recent high-level phone conversation between the two...
- On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his newly appointed Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr.
- “They also agreed to expand cooperation across diverse sectors and in multilateral fora, aiming to build a forward-looking partnership for the peoples of both countries,” the ministry stated.
Pakistan and Bangladesh Strengthen Ties Following Political Shift
Islamabad and Dhaka are signaling a renewed commitment to bolstering bilateral relations following a change in government in Bangladesh and a recent high-level phone conversation between the two nations’ foreign ministers. The rapprochement comes after a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the country’s recent parliamentary elections, ending the long tenure of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his newly appointed Bangladeshi counterpart, Dr. Khalilur Rehman, discussing ways to strengthen ties and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. According to a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar congratulated Rehman on his appointment, and both ministers expressed a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
“They also agreed to expand cooperation across diverse sectors and in multilateral fora, aiming to build a forward-looking partnership for the peoples of both countries,” the ministry stated. The conversation underscores a warming trend in relations that began in August 2025, when Pakistan and Bangladesh signed several agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education, and cultural exchanges – a significant step after years of strained ties.
The BNP’s victory, secured with over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, marks a decisive political shift for Bangladesh. The election followed mass protests that led to the removal of Sheikh Hasina, the country’s longest-serving prime minister. Following the election results, Tarique Rahman, leader of the BNP, named a 50-member cabinet, appointing Dr. Khalil ur Rahman as foreign minister. Dr. Rahman is an experienced diplomat and former UN official, holding degrees from universities in Dhaka and the United States. He previously held the security portfolio in the caretaker government and played a role in mediating trade talks with the United States.
The shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape has opened new avenues for Islamabad to foster a stronger relationship. The BNP has publicly stated its openness to building a “forward-looking relationship” with Pakistan. Pakistan’s goal, however, should not be to replace India’s influence in Bangladesh, but to cultivate a relationship based on sovereign equality, analysts suggest.
The recent phone call between Dar and Rehman builds on previous diplomatic efforts. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held the initial conversation with Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, felicitating him on his recent appointment, according to a post on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan’s X account on .
The renewed focus on bilateral cooperation signals a potential turning point in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, offering opportunities for increased collaboration and regional stability. Both nations appear committed to building a partnership that benefits their respective populations and contributes to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.