21 hours ago
Last Updated:January 04, 2026, 17:54 IST
Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen a rapid thaw in tense relations after the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina, as ties between New Delhi and Dhaka became strained.
Pakistan FM Ishaq Dar (Centre) met leaders in Bangladesh last year, signalling a thaw in bilateral ties. (Ishaq Dar/X)
At a time when relations between India and Bangladesh are strained, Pakistan is seeking closer ties with Dhaka as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
According to a statement by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
They also exchanged views on recent developments in Asia and the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact amid these dynamics, it added.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, H.E. Touhid Hossain.The two leaders reviewed Pakistan–Bangladesh relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors.
They also… pic.twitter.com/lzYLEEGmmc
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 4, 2026
Bangladesh, which gained independence in 1971 after a bloody freedom struggle against Pakistan, has traditionally maintained close ties with India, which played a key role in its liberation. However, relations between India and Bangladesh soured after the 2024 uprising that ousted ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka has accused India of backing Hasina’s now-outlawed Awami League party, charges that India rejected.
As such, India is viewing relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh with concern over facing Jihadis on two fronts. Islamabad was among the first to welcome the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, expressing solidarity with “the people of Bangladesh".
Since 2024, the two countries have seen a rapid thaw in relations—signing agreements on visa-free diplomatic travel, trade facilitation, defence collaboration, sea route access, and air connectivity. Senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, have held multiple meetings with Yunus over the past year.
Dar visited Bangladesh in August 2025 and met with Yunus, and several other officials. The two countries agreed at the time to lift visa restrictions for their diplomats and government officials.
Location :
Dhaka, Bangladesh
First Published:
January 04, 2026, 17:54 IST
News world Pakistan's Foreign Minister Holds Talks With Bangladeshi Counterpart Amid Strained India Ties
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