Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral engagement and expand cooperation in trade, commerce and security, as contacts between the two countries gather pace under Dhaka’s new BNP-led government.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Saturday met visiting Pakistan Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi over breakfast at a hotel in Dhaka. They discussed issues of bilateral interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Both sides noted recent momentum in bilateral exchanges and said there was considerable untapped potential in trade and commerce, sports, culture, women entrepreneurship, education, science and technology, and digital innovation. They also stressed the need to enhance people-to-people contacts and institutional collaboration.
Shama Obaed reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalising SAARC as an important platform for regional cooperation and prosperity. Both sides emphasised stronger regional cooperation for the collective benefit of South Asia’s people.
A day earlier, Bangladesh and Pakistan signed a 10-year agreement to combat human trafficking and narcotics crimes, the first such bilateral security pact under Dhaka’s new government. Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Naqvi signed the agreement in Dhaka.
“Both sides expressed the hope that this cooperation will ensure public health safety and security of the citizens of the two countries,” Bangladesh’s home ministry said.
The MoU will take effect from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual consent. Under it, the two countries will exchange information and provide technical assistance to prevent drug trafficking and related money laundering. They will also share intelligence on suspects, trafficking networks, and emerging methods and routes. Intelligence agencies may conduct “controlled delivery operations” on mutual request, the ministry said.
Naqvi arrived in Dhaka on Friday on a two-day visit, the first by a high-profile Pakistani official since the BNP government took office in February after the February 12 election. The election followed the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5, 2024.
Bangladesh separated from Pakistan in 1971 after a nine-month liberation war. Before Naqvi’s visit, Pakistan’s deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka in August 2025.
Since Hasina’s removal, Dhaka and Islamabad have stepped up diplomatic engagement. Earlier, a 15-member delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Dhaka from May 2 to 4, representing sectors including agriculture, building materials, automotive and textiles.