‘Recently bilateral engagement between the two sides shows Dhaka’s intention to diversify its foreign policy trajectory’ Photo Credit: AFP
The bitter heritage of the 1971 liberation war, where Bangladesh separated from Pakistan, has long carried out the nature of relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. However, the recent bilateral association between the two sides reflects Dhaka’s intention to diversify its foreign policy trajectory in the subcontinent. Since August 2024, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government after the rebellion led by a student, there have been several meetings between Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Bangladesh Government and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif. In contrast, the absence of any engagement between Mr. Yunus and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi highlights this shifting equation.
Ms. Hasina’s exit was determined for a possible renovation in the area – one that is likely to harass New Delhi. During Ms. Hasina’s 15 -year tenure, bilateral relations were tense, partly due to historical complaints of her family against the ruling class of Pakistan. His close alliance with India emerged as an important factor for continuous frost relations with Islamabad in later years. In 2016, the tension between Bangladesh and Pakistan, both countries expelled diplomats.
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recent developments
However, under the leadership of Mr. Yunus, the relationship has been strengthened. Some key and recent developments underline this. For example, Bangladesh hosted a high -level Pakistani military delegation in Rangpur, located close to the strategically important Siliguri corridor. This was followed by a rare journey by Rawalpindi to Bangladesh Army’s second-in-in-command, Lieutenant-General SM Kama-ul-Haasan to meet Pakistan’s Army, Navy and Air Force heads. Dhaka has also announced the resumption of direct flights to Islamabad and has also participated in Pakistan’s Aman 2025 naval exercises in the Arabian Sea (7-11 February), with a prominent for Pakistan for the first time in a decades. The deployment of the Bangladeshi warship was involved. ,
Despite the clear warming of the relationship, can these interactions translate into meaningful results? Or will they be symbolic with a little tangible effect?
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Ground reality
While Mr. Yumns has reduced Dhaka’s demand that Pakistan demanded only one “solution to issues” to apologize for “1971 genocide”, Dhaka would face challenges in public opinion management. A significant number of Bangladeshis still sees separation from Pakistan as the basis of their national identity. There is no possibility of sufficient diplomatic progress in a long time, without addressing this deeply underlying historical complaint in the psyche of Bangladeshi society. It is especially true that Islamabad should continue the 1971 war as an Indian conspiracy, rather than a separatist movement to accept as a product of Bengali identity and government’s excesses in West Pakistan in response to. In addition, from a strategic and economic point of view, a partnership with Islamabad would provide limited advantage to Dhaka, especially given misunderstandings between the economic realities of the two countries. The geographical separation of Bangladesh and Pakistan by the Indian region is likely to create connectivity and political obstacles for smooth trade.
As India closely monitored the situation, diplomatic maneuvers will be considered as Pakistan’s efforts to combat New Delhi’s faltering influence in Dhaka after Ms. Hasina’s expulsion. Interestingly, this dynamics combine with an unprecedented axis of warm relations with the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan, India, a traditional ally in Pakistan. Indian External Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri met acting Foreign Minister Mavlavi Amir Khan Mottaki in Dubai in January, which is the highest level of negotiations between the two sides since the control of Afghanistan in 2021.
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Fraud of New Delhi’s approach
With the counting of hostile neighbors now, which includes the growing alignment of Maldives and Nepal with China, is New Delhi a new reason for concern?
India’s approach to Bangladesh should be understood by economic and geographical realities. Despite the developed nature of Dhaka-Islamabad relations, Bangladesh would find it challenging to take an anti-India stance, given its geographical proximity and economic dependence on India. India is a major business partner of Bangladesh in this region. In 2023, Indian exports to Bangladesh were $ 11.25 billion, while India’s exports to India were about $ 2 billion in 2023. Many of these imports, especially raw materials, are important for the industries of Bangladesh.
He said, India should be vigilant: First, there is a scope for a axis related to Bangladesh, China and Pakistan on the issue of security in its northeastern states. India should clarify its red lines with Bangladesh in important areas such as terrorism, arms trade, joint military exercise and maritime security. During the remaining on these issues, New Delhi should also be creatively engaged with Bangladesh, which can emphasize people’s contacts, cultural exchange and developmental projects with people. Both countries should also continue their cooperation on border trade and smuggling, water sharing and important issues of refugee concerns. New Delhi will be required to maintain this pace, which along with addressing anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiments in Bangladesh as well as capitalizing on their economic connection to strengthen their relations with Dhaka The opposing will be to address emotions. Maintaining a constituency that is suited to India within Bangladesh is important for long -term strategic stability.
Aishwariya Sonwen is a Pakistan Desk Research Analyst at Taxila Institution
Published – 17 February, 2025 12:50 AM IST