Dhaka, April 17, 2025: In a significant step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties, Pakistan and Bangladesh held their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years on Thursday, signaling a thaw in relations between the two South Asian nations.
The meeting, held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka, was led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and her Bangladeshi counterpart Jashim Uddin. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring areas of mutual interest, including trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
In a gesture of goodwill, the Bangladesh side also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Pakistani delegation.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also met with Mohammed Tohid Hussain, the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, as part of the engagement.
According to The Daily Star, Baloch is also expected to call on Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Later in the evening, she will participate in an interactive session with policy think tanks and members of the Pakistani diaspora based in Dhaka.
This diplomatic revival follows a period of improving ties since the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5, 2024. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser Yunus have met twice in recent months—first during the UN General Assembly in New York in September and later at the D-8 summit in Cairo in December.
The warming relations have already yielded tangible outcomes, including relaxed visa rules for Pakistani nationals and the initiation of direct shipping routes between the two countries.
Pakistan is now eyeing deeper cooperation in cultural exchanges, tourism, investment, and trade. “Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price competitive,” said Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, who is currently in Dhaka for the meetings.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Bangladesh in the last week of April, marking another important milestone in the evolving bilateral relationship.
