ISLAMABAD: In a rare move, Pakistan and Bangladesh are likely to revive their bilateral ties after frosty relations between the two countries for nearly a decade.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddiqui called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed at her official residence in Dhaka. The envoy said the two sides agreed to further strengthen the existing fraternal relations between the two countries
The envoy conveyed the message of goodwill and friendship from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Hasina which she reciprocated with her greetings and good wishes for the leadership of Pakistan.
Upon the request of strengthening relations by the Pakistani side, Hasina referred to Bangladesh’s policy of “friendship to all, malice to none”, adding that she believes in “regional cooperation”. Pakistan and Bangladesh and expected to resume dialogue between the foreign secretaries of both countries for the first time in twelve years.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed stressed the need for strengthening bilateral ties. She wished the people of Pakistan well and assured the high commissioner of her “full support” in his official duties.
In July, Prime Minister Imran Khan had spoken to his Bangladesh counterpart over the phone and expressed desire to deepen fraternal relations on the basis of mutual trust and sovereign equality.
Pakistan has this year consistently pushed for improving ties with Bangladesh. It must be recalled that relation nosedived after Wajed started her second tenure in 2009 and resumed the 1971 ‘war crimes’ trial.
Bangladesh has sought to improve ties come with Pakistan after lukewarm relations with Indian after the enactment of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act last year. Bangladesh has also strengthened ties with China angering India.
