Pakistan and Bangladesh convened their first round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in 15 years on Thursday, signaling a potential reset in bilateral relations historically marred by political and historical tensions. The meeting, held in Dhaka, was reported by The Business Standard, a prominent English-language newspaper based in the Bangladeshi capital.
The revival of diplomatic engagement comes amid significant political changes in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid, known for her pro-India stance, after a student-led uprising in August of last year. Her removal from office has opened space for renewed dialogue between Dhaka and Islamabad.
Relations between the two countries have remained sensitive since Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. While diplomatic ties have existed, progress has often been hindered by historical grievances and competing regional alignments. However, recent overtures by Bangladesh’s interim administration and a noticeable cooling of its ties with New Delhi suggest an emerging shift in regional dynamics.
According to The Business Standard, the April 17 consultations were led by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Muhammad Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart, Amna Baloch. The discussions, held at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mark the first formal bilateral talks at this level since 2010.
The consultations are expected to lay the groundwork for a forthcoming visit by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, anticipated later this month. If confirmed, it would be the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh since 2012.
