PAKISTAN BANGLADESH RELATIONSHIP IN 2026

Pakistan–Bangladesh Relations: From 1971 Strain to a New Thaw

For over half a century, Pakistan–Bangladesh relations were overshadowed by the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. The birth of Bangladesh out of what was once East Pakistan left deep historical grievances that shaped diplomatic, political and emotional narratives on both sides of the border. Yet, in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s 2024 political transition, a marked thaw has emerged — offering renewed opportunities for economic, cultural and diplomatic cooperation. Even so, unresolved wounds from 1971 continue to cast a long shadow, reminding both countries that trust-building remains unfinished.

A History Marked by Conflict and Estrangement

The separation of East Pakistan — now Bangladesh — in 1971 was one of the most consequential ruptures in South Asian history. Millions of lives were lost in the Liberation War, and reports of atrocities committed during the conflict remain etched in Bangladesh’s national memory. Pakistan’s relationship with Dhaka in the decades that followed was tentative, punctuated by long periods of diplomatic disengagement and mutual distrust rooted in this painful past.

While Pakistan formally recognised Bangladesh’s independence in 1974, many in Bangladesh continued to demand formal acknowledgement and apology for wartime atrocities — a point of contention that would linger for decades. Now, more than fifty years later, emotional and political sensitivities about 1971 still influence bilateral ties, even as pragmatic cooperation emerges.

For much of the subsequent period, Bangladesh’s foreign policy leaned closely towards India — partly a result of historical solidarity; partly strategic realignment. Pakistan, for its part, remained wary of excursions into Dhaka’s political economy, especially when Dhaka pursued war crimes tribunals that implicated pro-Pakistani elements and invoked public criticism from Islamabad.

2024 Political Transition: A Turning Point

The political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024 — which ended the longstanding leadership of Sheikh Hasina — catalyzed a transformation in the country’s external relations. With an interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Dhaka signaled its willingness to re-examine policies that had kept Islamabad at arm’s length. Over the following year, Pakistan and Bangladesh began engaging more substantively on diplomatic and economic fronts.

This shift was neither superficial nor symbolic. Early in 2025, the two countries revived direct trade for the first time since 1971, marking a historic opening in economic engagement. A 50,000-tonne consignment of Pakistani rice was shipped from Port Qasim to Bangladesh — a first in more than five decades — signalling a practical commitment to cooperation beyond rhetoric. ([AAJ News][3])

At the same time, newly resumed Foreign Secretary-level consultations — a channel dormant for over 15 years — resumed bilateral dialogue in Dhaka. These talks paved the way for more regular diplomatic exchanges, with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary visiting and cooperation discussions advancing across multiple portfolios.

The Pakistani government also reaffirmed its intent to deepen ties through high-level visits. In August 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made a landmark visit to Dhaka — the highest ministerial level contact in more than a decade — to engage Bangladeshi political leaders and discuss avenues for future cooperation.

Economic Engagement: Trade as a Bridge

One of the clearest markers of the thaw has been the rapid revival of economic engagement. Historically, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh was modest, dwarfed by Bangladesh’s commerce with India and other partners. However, since 2024–25, trade indicators have shown substantial growth. Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh climbed sharply, while Bangladesh’s shipments to Pakistan — particularly in textiles and pharmaceuticals — began to make inroads.

The desire to expand economic linkages has been reflected in ambitious targets. Pakistani lobby groups and officials have openly stated a goal of increasing bilateral trade to US$3 billion within a single year — a significant leap beyond past patterns.

Additionally, both countries have reopened direct shipping links for cargo. Prior to this, goods between Karachi and Chittagong typically had to transit through third-party ports such as Colombo or Singapore, adding cost and complexity to overland logistics. The re-establishment of direct maritime routes is expected to improve efficiencies and reduce frictions that had dampened cross-border commerce for generations.

Importantly, the bilateral economic agenda is not limited to trade in goods. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed in areas ranging from academic cooperation to technical exchanges, including scholarships, joint business councils and connectivity initiatives. In August 2025, Pakistan and Bangladesh undertook six critical agreements designed to foster cooperation in education, culture and technology — creating institutional frameworks for deeper long-term collaboration.

Cultural and Diplomatic Bridges: People-to-People and Soft Power

Economic engagement alone cannot sustain bilateral reconciliation. Recognizing this, both countries have pursued measures to facilitate people-to-people engagement and cultural exchange. Visa liberalization for diplomatic and official passport holders, expanded scholarship programmes, and scholarly cooperation are all part of this broader strategy to nurture interpersonal ties and mutual understanding.

Such steps — while logistical — carry symbolic importance. They signal that the future of Pakistan–Bangladesh relations need not be confined to governmental corridors, but can extend into universities, cultural institutions, and shared heritage zones that resonate with citizens on both sides.

Diplomatically, repeated high-level contacts have helped anchor the relationship in regular communication. Since late 2024, Pakistan’s foreign ministerial delegation has met Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisers on several occasions — both bilaterally and on international platforms such as the United Nations. These meetings provide crucial spaces to align on broader geopolitical issues, from regional stability to development cooperation, demonstrating willingness to move past long-standing mistrust.

The Legacy of 1971: An Unsettled Chapter

Despite recent advances, underlying grievances related to the 1971 war remain central to the relationship’s unresolved dimension. Bangladesh continues to press Pakistan for a formal apology, compensation claims, and resolution of pre-independence financial and property issues. These demands, articulated in bilateral consultations in April 2025, reflect enduring emotional and legal claims tied to the liberation struggle.

Pakistan, while expressing regret over past suffering, has traditionally stopped short of issuing a fresh official apology — viewing contemporary relations as geared toward future cooperation rather than historical adjudication. This hesitancy underscores political constraints and differing perceptions of historical accountability.

Moreover, demands related to unpaid funds, pre-1971 financial entitlements, and sacrificial memories of wartime deaths continue to complicate diplomatic equations. Until these issues are reconciled — or addressed in a manner satisfactory to both parties — the shadow of 1971 will persist as a complicating factor in fully normalised ties.

Regional Dynamics: Beyond Bilateralism

Pakistan and Bangladesh do not operate in isolation. Their renewed engagement is taking place amid broader South Asian geopolitical realignments, including shifting alliances, China’s influence, and recalibration of ties with India. Dhaka’s reassessment of its foreign policy — once steeped in India-centric alignment — has broader implications for the region’s diplomatic landscape. Observers have noted how Islamabad and Dhaka’s rapprochement could recalibrate regional balances, particularly in the context of emerging multipolar dynamics in South Asia.

Furthermore, trilateral conversations involving China — which has significant strategic ties with both capitals — suggest potential frameworks for multilateral cooperation in trade corridors, infrastructure and shared strategic interests. Recent dialogues involving Pakistan, China and Bangladesh hint at a new constellation of regional cooperation that transcends old alignments.

Looking Forward: Building Lasting Confidence

The improving arc of Pakistan–Bangladesh relations offers an optimistic view of South Asian diplomacy — one where historical baggage does not permanently obstruct future cooperation. Through economic engagement, diplomatic outreach and cultural exchange, both nations are actively testing new avenues of cooperation.

Still, profound historical wounds from 1971 will require careful, empathetic diplomacy. A meaningful process of confidence-building — potentially including truth-seeking, acknowledgement of grievances and mutual respect for historical memory — could help transform old narratives into shared paths forward. Until then, the relationship remains at a delicate but important inflection point, balancing past hurts with present opportunities.

In the end, for Pakistan and Bangladesh, the journey toward full normalization will need to be as much about reconciliation of memo as cooperation of interests — a task demanding political courage, cultural empathy and sustained diplomatic vision.