In a significant development signaling a shift in diplomatic relations, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to hold foreign office consultations (FOC) in Dhaka on Thursday, April 17.
This will be the first such bilateral meeting between the two countries since 2010, marking a potential thaw in their long-frozen ties.
The meeting will be at the foreign secretary level, and both sides are expected to discuss ways to improve and strengthen their relations.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch will lead the delegations for the talks, which will take place at the state guest house in Dhaka. Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday, April 16, to prepare for the discussions.
“After such a long hiatus, it is difficult to prioritize topics in advance, but the talks will be comprehensive,” a senior Bangladeshi official told BSS.
The diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have been tense for many years, particularly during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Key issues such as the war crimes trials in Bangladesh, related to the 1971 Liberation War, had kept the two countries at odds. However, with the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh in August 2024, the situation seems to have changed.
The FOC in Dhaka is seen as a sign of Bangladesh’s intent to “engage deeply” with Islamabad, opening the door for renewed dialogue. Both countries now appear to be moving towards improving their relations, which had been strained for over a decade.
In addition to the FOC, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is also expected to visit Bangladesh later this month, further indicating the potential for stronger ties between the two nations.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, currently in Dhaka for the meeting, told BSS that Islamabad is especially eager to strengthen trade relations with Dhaka, citing cotton as one of the products.
“Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price competitive,” he said.
Regarding direct air connectivity, High Commissioner Khan said that in addition to Fly Jinnah, another Pakistani private carrier, Air Sial — based in Sialkot — has applied to Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) to operate flights to Dhaka.
“Fly Jinnah is currently waiting to expand its fleet before launching Dhaka operations, while Air Sial is expected to begin direct flights within two months of receiving approval,” he said.
