Removal of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, takeaways and opportunities for Pakistan

Esteemed leaders have often endured imprisonment for the sake of their people, while corrupt politicians and cult-like figures have consistently found ways to evade it.
Not on corruption charges. That's a 'privilege' for thieves.
 
Esteemed leaders have often endured imprisonment for the sake of their people, while corrupt politicians and cult-like figures have consistently found ways to evade it.
You are right there, but I have often pondered about this and I have come to the conclusion that the best politicians are the cunning ones, that evade OR play politics, example:
Churchill, Washington,Mr. Jinnah.

World politics is about action , my favourite leader has always been Nelson Mandela but SA is going nowhere after him, directionless and prone to hate.

My fav Indian leader is Sardar Patel he did go to Jail but he quickly knew when to become decisive.
 
You are right there, but I have often pondered about this and I have come to the conclusion that the best politicians are the cunning ones, that evade OR play politics, example:
Churchill, Washington,Mr. Jinnah.

World politics is about action , my favourite leader has always been Nelson Mandela but SA is going nowhere after him, directionless and prone to hate.

My fav Indian leader is Sardar Patel he did go to Jail but he quickly knew when to become decisive.
Is it fair to blame Mandela? Or, for that matter, Jinnah in 2024 for the current challenges Pakistan is facing?
 
Is it fair to blame Mandela? Or, for that matter, Jinnah in 2024 for the current challenges Pakistan is facing?
It’s not but they set up examples of Sacrificing and greatness instead it should be of cunningness and smartness for people to follow.

World affairs is brutal and in all honesty Pakistani Politicians or Army did well up until 1971, it’s later they lost the way.
 
It’s not but they set up examples of Sacrificing and greatness instead it should be of cunningness and smartness for people to follow.

World affairs is brutal and in all honesty Pakistani Politicians or Army did well up until 1971, it’s later they lost the way.
Until 1971, the Pakistani army was supported and positioned as an anti-communist force in the region, which contributed to its success at the time.

In the 1980s, Pakistan also experienced progress under General Zia, though his policies led to the radicalization of the masses. Similarly, while India is currently thriving, its own process of radicalization may not immediately harm the economy. However, the resulting moral decline within the Indian population could eventually be exploited, much like it was in Pakistan.

That said, there is a key difference: the vast majority of Pakistanis would still be unlikely to elect a religious extremist as their Prime Minister.

Imran Khan is demonstrating both intelligence and shrewdness by refusing to yield even an inch to the Pakistani establishment.
 
That said, there is a key difference: the vast majority of Pakistanis would still be unlikely to elect a religious extremist as their Prime Minister.

Imran Khan is demonstrating both intelligence and shrewdness by refusing to yield even an inch to the Pakistani establishment.
There is a reason for that, Pakistan is majority Muslim, there is no demographic change possible, in India it’s very much possible so, if India was also above 95% one religion there wouldn’t be an issue on that front.

For Pakistan the challenge is to have less religious Muslim as a PM, like Mr.Jinnah

The difference between Zia and Modi is simple, there is massive improvement on science push for women and men under Modi…Zia can’t be equated with Modi , but more along maybe 0.5 Yogi.
 
It’s not but they set up examples of Sacrificing and greatness instead it should be of cunningness and smartness for people to follow.

World affairs is brutal and in all honesty Pakistani Politicians or Army did well up until 1971, it’s later they lost the way.
Questionable.

Pakistan had some of the most fertile land in the world, great scenic areas for tourism and great deal of money from US by playing up the USSR bogey (started with Jinnah). Thats not doing well. Doing well is getting destroyed in WWII and building yourself up like Germany and Japan
 
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PM Shehbaz attends Bangladesh’s 50th UN membership anniversary

NEW YORK: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif attended a ceremony celebrating Bangladesh’s 50 years of United Nations membership at the invitation of Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus.

Accompanying the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Atta Tarar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Dr Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani delegation.

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh, during the event, agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors and discussed expanding bilateral relations.

It is pertinent to mention here that Bangladesh officially joined the United Nations on September 17, 1974, becoming the 136th member state. This milestone came after the country gained independence in 1971, following a brutal liberation war.

The relatively young South Asian country, Bangladesh, has made remarkable progress in various sectors, since joining the UN, including human development, economic growth, and social reforms while being a strong advocate for global issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.

Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism is evident through its active engagement in UN forums and its election to the UN Security Council for terms in 1978-1980 and 2000-2002.

Meanwhile, in a conversation with journalists at the United Nations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East. He said the recent attack in Beirut, describing it as an attempt to escalate the conflict.

While warning the international community, the prime minister said that attacks on Lebanon could have devastating consequences for the peace-loving world. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for global condemnation of Israeli actions, stating that these attacks are pushing the conflict beyond the Middle East and could have severe repercussions worldwide.

When asked about resolving the crisis, Shehbaz Sharif said that a two-state solution for Palestine is the only viable path. He called for an immediate ceasefire followed by the implementation of a two-state solution as the only way forward.

 
Not sure if America helped but Bangladeshi people wanted Hasina gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Hopefully BD will have Dr. Yunus or someone equally competent as the next PM. I would even be okay with BNP. Just no more Awami League rubbish.
Anyone is better than lotas like Hasina Rahul or Bilawal but the point is how America is all cozy cozy now..they did it in Pak in 2022 nd BD 2024..Uncle Sam still calls the shots.
 
PM Shehbaz attends Bangladesh’s 50th UN membership anniversary

NEW YORK: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif attended a ceremony celebrating Bangladesh’s 50 years of United Nations membership at the invitation of Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus.

Accompanying the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Atta Tarar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Dr Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani delegation.

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh, during the event, agreed to enhance cooperation in various sectors and discussed expanding bilateral relations.

It is pertinent to mention here that Bangladesh officially joined the United Nations on September 17, 1974, becoming the 136th member state. This milestone came after the country gained independence in 1971, following a brutal liberation war.

The relatively young South Asian country, Bangladesh, has made remarkable progress in various sectors, since joining the UN, including human development, economic growth, and social reforms while being a strong advocate for global issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.

Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism is evident through its active engagement in UN forums and its election to the UN Security Council for terms in 1978-1980 and 2000-2002.

Meanwhile, in a conversation with journalists at the United Nations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East. He said the recent attack in Beirut, describing it as an attempt to escalate the conflict.

While warning the international community, the prime minister said that attacks on Lebanon could have devastating consequences for the peace-loving world. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for global condemnation of Israeli actions, stating that these attacks are pushing the conflict beyond the Middle East and could have severe repercussions worldwide.

When asked about resolving the crisis, Shehbaz Sharif said that a two-state solution for Palestine is the only viable path. He called for an immediate ceasefire followed by the implementation of a two-state solution as the only way forward.

 
Questionable.

Pakistan had some of the most fertile land in the world, great scenic areas for tourism and great deal of money from US by playing up the USSR bogey (started with Jinnah). Thats not doing well. Doing well is getting destroyed in WWII and building yourself up like Germany and Japan
People dont realize how battered Japan and Germany were after WW2. And they way they built back - jeez nothing short of amazing. One visit to Germany or Japan can show people. And in Germany you can see both the pre WW2 historical buildings culture and the present modern contemporary cosmopolitan country. I love visiting Germany anytime. And Japan - they are so efficient and dont waste an inch of space ! Going from Texas where everything is so big and then to Japan where everything is so efficient was just such a different vibe. Just 2 cool nations though !(y)
 
Nice of the two nations can get along and help each other.

Bharat must provide a safe physical passage for both nations people through its borders. Of course we would have the right to charge toll
Land corridor is needed for sure.


there are rumours that Gandhiji was willing to ensure that there was a land corridor between the two sides of Pakistan.

I hope India fulfils his legacy.
 
Land corridor is needed for sure.


there are rumours that Gandhiji was willing to ensure that there was a land corridor between the two sides of Pakistan.

I hope India fulfils his legacy.

I hope too.

Free movements between our nations.
Lots of trust needs to be built before that.

Will that happen in our lifetime. Let’s see.

Honestly do our people deserve good things?
 

Pakistan, Bangladesh Agree to Enhance Economic Cooperation​


Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh stated in a statement on Thursday.

The statement issued on social media platform X said, the resolve was expressed during a meeting between Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Maroof and Hafiz-ur-Rahman, Administrator, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Dhaka.

It said both sides discussed trade and economic opportunities and ways and means to bring business communities closer together for mutual benefit.

Earlier, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had met with the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

During the meeting, they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

 

Concerns in US over growing extremism in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina did good job in controlling it: Ex-White House official​


Washington: There are serious concerns in the US over growing extremism in Bangladesh, a former White House official has said, observing that deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh did a good job in controlling it. Lisa Curtis, who served as President-elect Donald Trump's South Asia point-person in his first term, has said there is concern about the future and what it could bring to Bangladesh

……………

"But there's also a lot of concern. Some Islamist extremists have been released from jails. There have been some attacks on minorities, Hindus, Christians," Curtis, who served as National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021, told PTI in an interview.


………..

There is understandably some concern that these elements return to the political scene, which would not be helpful for Bangladesh, she said.

"It would not be helpful for the region, the United States, anyone. We are at a delicate time in Bangladesh. So even though it might not be the number one priority of (President-elect) Trump, I think his team, his national security team, will have to pay attention to what's happening (there)," she said.

 
Remains to be seen how Trump and his team views South Asia.
Ideally the current regime of Bangladesh suits American Establishment but time will tell.
 

Concerns in US over growing extremism in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina did good job in controlling it: Ex-White House official​


Washington: There are serious concerns in the US over growing extremism in Bangladesh, a former White House official has said, observing that deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh did a good job in controlling it. Lisa Curtis, who served as President-elect Donald Trump's South Asia point-person in his first term, has said there is concern about the future and what it could bring to Bangladesh

……………

"But there's also a lot of concern. Some Islamist extremists have been released from jails. There have been some attacks on minorities, Hindus, Christians," Curtis, who served as National Security Council senior director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021, told PTI in an interview.


………..

There is understandably some concern that these elements return to the political scene, which would not be helpful for Bangladesh, she said.

"It would not be helpful for the region, the United States, anyone. We are at a delicate time in Bangladesh. So even though it might not be the number one priority of (President-elect) Trump, I think his team, his national security team, will have to pay attention to what's happening (there)," she said.


Common people of Bangladesh do not want Hasina. It doesn't matter what Indians want.
 
Common people of Bangladesh do not want Hasina. It doesn't matter what Indians want.
In Bangladesh it only matters what US wants, and the person quoted in the article is the one that will be back with Trump’s administration.
 
Remains to be seen how Trump and his team views South Asia.
Ideally the current regime of Bangladesh suits American Establishment but time will tell.

It is also in the best interest of Bharat that Bangladesh continues to destroy itself. We are just worried about Hindus who are suffering. That must stop immediately otherwise we careless if Bangladeshis are hell bent on digging their own grave.
 
In Bangladesh it only matters what US wants, and the person quoted in the article is the one that will be back with Trump’s administration.

LOL. Absolutely not. BD is not a colony of US.

You Indians don't have to worry about BD. Leave it to Bangladeshis.
 
Awami League's student wing has already been banned in BD. Time to ban the main party too.

Bangladesh should never have an Indian agent in charge again.

#NeverAgain
 
LOL. Absolutely not. BD is not a colony of US.

You Indians don't have to worry about BD. Leave it to Bangladeshis.
Who is worried about it? All we want is Bangladeshis to go back from India.

You are colony like US, Yunus came to his masters , ur entire Army establishment is under US thumb , so chill, don’t whine, if US likes your establishment they will stay if not be ready for a new ruler, probably BNP this time.
 
Who is worried about it? All we want is Bangladeshis to go back from India.

You are colony like US, Yunus came to his masters , ur entire Army establishment is under US thumb , so chill, don’t whine, if US likes your establishment they will stay if not be ready for a new ruler, probably BNP this time.

Very ignorant post.

Anyway, whatever floats your boat I guess.
 
It is also in the best interest of Bharat that Bangladesh continues to destroy itself. We are just worried about Hindus who are suffering. That must stop immediately otherwise we careless if Bangladeshis are hell bent on digging their own grave.
I don’t care about them overall, we just need to seal borders with them and get India’s bills paid and stop any new projects.

I rather have China ruling Bangladeshis at our border than these American pups right now, Chinese know how to handle such people, US just doesn’t care about the destabilisation they create in Asia as obvious with Pakistani Establishment.
 
If Hasina returns to BD, she has a high change of getting the death penalty.

Maybe they can turn her execution into a pay-per-view. I would love to buy that pay-per-view.

Ignorant and salty Indians like @JaDed wish Hasina would return to power but it is unlikely to happen.
 
I don’t care about them overall, we just need to seal borders with them and get India’s bills paid and stop any new projects.

I rather have China ruling Bangladeshis at our border than these American pups right now, Chinese know how to handle such people, US just doesn’t care about the destabilisation they create in Asia as obvious with Pakistani Establishment.

Bangladesh is our colony in the near future. They will be making underwear and boots for our masses and taking care of our trash. So we have vested interests. Let them destroy themselves but not completely. A poorer Bangladesh is in our interests. If things go South we can always flood them out of existence.
 
If Hasina returns to BD, she has a high change of getting the death penalty.

Maybe they can turn her execution into a pay-per-view. I would love to buy that pay-per-view.

Ignorant and salty Indians like @JaDed wish Hasina would return to power but it is unlikely to happen.
Since you are tagging me I’m responding, Please take Hasina ,never supported her even when she ruled as I don’t care about dynasties, and take along with her all the Bangladeshi illegals too.

And execute her or whatever don’t care,I know you have thing for women execution, You were obsessed with Mayanti Langer too, but just take all the Bangladeshis from India and make fence around India, this way we can finally have a separation.
 
Bangladesh is our colony in the near future. They will be making underwear and boots for our masses and taking care of our trash. So we have vested interests. Let them destroy themselves but not completely. A poorer Bangladesh is in our interests. If things go South we can always flood them out of existence.
No thanks, I absolutely don’t want to do anything with them ,no trade anything, want a fence around the entire border with them and deport all the Bangladeshis including Hasina or send her to her son in America and their original Bangladeshi daddy Uncle Sam can send her to Bangladesh.
 
Since you are tagging me I’m responding, Please take Hasina ,never supported her even when she ruled as I don’t care about dynasties, and take along with her all the Bangladeshi illegals too.

And execute her or whatever don’t care,I know you have thing for women execution, You were obsessed with Mayanti Langer too, but just take all the Bangladeshis from India and make fence around India, this way we can finally have a separation.

I support lawful executions for traitors like Hasina who sold Bangladesh to India and committed crimes against BD people. It has nothing to do with gender.

I am very respectful and caring toward decent women.

Stop getting triggered like a radical feminist.
 
I support lawful executions for traitors like Hasina who sold Bangladesh to India and committed crimes against BD people. It has nothing to do with gender.

I am very respectful and caring toward good women.

Stop getting triggered like a radical feminist.
The only one that has been in consistent state of trigger is you since T20 Wc and I would say just take a break but I know you are addicted so carry on, you can just use the ignore button.
 
No thanks, I absolutely don’t want to do anything with them ,no trade anything, want a fence around the entire border with them and deport all the Bangladeshis including Hasina or send her to her son in America and their original Bangladeshi daddy Uncle Sam can send her to Bangladesh.

Have to be practical. As we become a mid income economy you will need cheap Bangladeshi labour. Every Bharatiya household in the metro cities has 1-2 Bangladeshi domestic helpers. Then you have the garbage collectors, the Rikshaw pullers, the gardener, sewerage cleaners etc. You need Bangladeshiz. Yes a proper ID verification system needs to be put in place for security purpose.
 
Have to be practical. As we become a mid income economy you will need cheap Bangladeshi labour. Every Bharatiya household in the metro cities has 1-2 Bangladeshi domestic helpers. Then you have the garbage collectors, the Rikshaw pullers, the gardener, sewerage cleaners etc. You need Bangladeshiz. Yes a proper ID verification system needs to be put in place for security purpose.
No thanks , no more demographic changes, already it’s a mess.
Bangladeshis should be sent back and remain there.
 
Look how much looting happened under Hasina. Mindboggling.

Source: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/busines...es-16-billion-siphoned-yearly-in-hasina-rule/.

Bangladesh Estimates $16 Billion Siphoned Yearly in Hasina Rule​


(Bloomberg) -- An average $16 billion may have been illicitly siphoned out of Bangladesh annually during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, according to the findings of a committee formed by interim leader Muhammad Yunus.

The panel led by economist Debapriya Bhattacharya submitted a white paper on the state of Bangladesh’s economy to Yunus in Dhaka on Sunday, according to a government statement.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted by student protesters in August after 15 years of increasingly authoritarian rule. The army and protest leaders tapped Nobel laureate Yunus, who pioneered microcredit to the poor, to lead an interim government.

“Our blood curdles to know how they plundered the economy,” Yunus said in the statement. “The sad part is they looted the economy openly. And most of us could not summon courage to confront it.”

The document shows “the economy we inherited after the July-August mass uprising,” he said.

Leaders in Sheikh Hasina’s party are in jail or hiding in Bangladesh, or have left the country. The party doesn’t have a spokesperson who can be contacted to comment on allegations in the white paper.

As part of its investigations, the committee looked into seven large projects out of 29 which had more than 100 billion taka ($836 million) expenditure outlay each.

The initial cost of the seven projects examined was estimated at 1.14 trillion taka. Hasina’s government later revised project costs to 1.95 trillion taka through the addition of more components and inflated land prices among others, according to the statement.

“The problem is deeper than what we have thought,” Bhattacharya said, adding that the 400-page white paper will show “how crony capitalism gave birth to the oligarchs, who controlled the policy framing.”
 
West Pakistan under military, Shariffs, Bhuttos and IK .. always looted
Bangladesh aka East Pakistan under military, Hasina, Khaleeda Zia... always looted
East or West looting in Pakistan is the only constant. Since 1947.. one has to wonder why?
And yet India is the 'bad guy'.
 
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A special court in Bangladesh has ordered a ban on the dissemination across media platforms and social networks of "hate speech" from ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, officials said on Thursday

A two-judge panel of the International Crimes Tribunal, led by Golam Mortuza Mozumder, issued the order following a prosecution request to prevent the spread of alleged hate speech by the ousted leader.

The court also directed authorities to remove any such material already broadcast, and ensure that no further dissemination occurs, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain told reporters.

The South Asian country's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, initiated legal proceedings through the tribunal against Hasina and her aides for alleged crimes during the mass uprising that led to her forced removal from office in August.

Yunus assumed leadership after Hasina fled to neighbouring India.

The prosecution argued that hate speech circulated by Hasina on social media platforms could intimidate witnesses, harm victims, or obstruct effective investigations into authorities' crackdown of the uprisings.

The government estimates some 1,500 people were killed in violence during the unrest.

Source: MSN
 
If Pakistan ever wants to take over BD, this is their best time. I am not sure if Pakistan is interested though considering their own troubles.
 
Bangladesh eases visa policy for Pakistani nationals

Since the ouster of pro-Indian Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina Wajid, the interim government of Bangladesh led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is actively seeking to strengthen ties with Pakistan.

The Bangladesh government has removed the requirement to obtain security clearance for Pakistani citizens, paving the way for easier travel between the two countries.

The Security Services Division (SSD) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has issued orders to facilitate the visa process for Pakistan nationals.

In a related development, the foreign ministry also instructed all missions abroad to simplify the visa application process for Pakistani citizens.

This move is seen as a breakthrough in bilateral relations following a visit by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof to former prime minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, conveying greetings of President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to her.

The easing of visa restrictions is a significant shift from the Hasina Wajid-led previous government’s policy, which had made it mandatory for Pakistani citizens to obtain security clearance for visas.

The development is also seen as a boost to bilateral trade, following the arrival of a Pakistani cargo ship last month at a Bangladeshi port for the first time since 1971, marking the start of sea trade between the two countries.

The development at a time when India-Bangladesh relations are at their lowest points in decades, as on Dec 3, 2024, Bangladesh summoned New Delhi’s ambassador after an attack on one of its consulates in India, the latest flare-up in strained ties between the neighbours.

Relations have been frayed by the student-led uprising in August that toppled Bangladesh’s autocratic former leader Sheikh Hasina, who is now residing in India.

 
‘Direct flight operation b/w Pakistan & Bangladesh to resume soon’

The Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan S. M Mahbubul Alam says the direct flight operation between the two countries will resume soon.

In a statement, he said the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh will result in increased trade relations between both he countries.

The trade relationship and direct flight operation between Pakistan and Bangladesh was suspended since long, but now a pleasant change is being witnessed in the relations between the two countries following the new interim setup in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner said an exhibition will be organized for importers and exporters of both the countries in Dhaka next month with the support of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Industry.

Business experts are of the view that the volume of trade between both countries will be enhanced with the improvement of bilateral relation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

 
Bangladeshi academia calls for joint efforts with Pakistan against Hindutva

As relations between Islamabad and Dhaka continue to make strides following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi experts have called for joint efforts with Pakistan against the scourge of Indian Hindutva, The News reported on Sunday.

Speaking at an international conference on Pak-Bangladesh relations at the Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad, the Bangladeshi participants expressed solidarity with Pakistan and underscored the importance of unity among the Muslims of South Asia.

Organised by Rafah International University, Global Youth Association, Pak Social Alliance and Pakistan Civil Society, the event was attended virtually by several international scholars including Dr Professor Shahiduzzaman — former Dean of Dhaka University.

The participants further stressed the need to move forward together for common peace, prosperity and development.

"We are tied by historical bonds. We have gone through periods of ups and downs but we've always realised that we need each other," Prof Shahiduzzaman said.

"I feel so privileged that we are on the right track to know each other better. We are on the right track to recognise the fact that we are confronted by a great enemy," he added.

Speaking at the conference, members of academia, youth leaders, social media activists and entrepreneurs from Pakistan highlighted the need to avoid fake news and recalled Bangladesh's recent student-led movement as the "monsoon revolution".

The conference comes in the backdrop of melting ice between the two neighbouring countries ever since the incumbent interim government led by Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus came to power in Dhaka.

In September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

During the meeting PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s strong fraternal ties with Bangladesh, based on common faith, history and culture and encouraged fostering relations through parliamentary exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and interactions among sportspersons, academics, artists, students, etc.

Since then, the first-ever direct maritime link was established between the two countries after a cargo vessel reached Chittagong Port from Karachi.

This was followed by the purchase of 25,000 tons of high-quality sugar by Bangladesh from Pakistan, as reported by the publication in the first week of December which said that Dhaka had usually been importing sugar from India.

Apart from common economic interests, Pakistan and Bangladesh share mutual concerns relating to Indian aggression.

Earlier this month, around 50 members of a Hindutva group breached the Bangaldeshi consulate in India's northeastern state of Tripura and brought down the Bangladeshi flag post.

The incident warranted a strong reaction from Dhaka which urged New Delhi to take immediate action against protesters.

Speaking at a gathering of political parties, Prof Yunus urged the country's politicians to keep differences at bay and put up a united front to counter "Indian aggression".

"They are undermining our efforts to build a new Bangladesh and are spreading fictitious stories [....] They have spread these rumours in particular countries and among influential players," he said.

Yunus further called for unity against what he characterised as a disinformation campaign, describing the matter as "a question of our existence".

 
PM Sharif meets Bangladesh Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus in Cairo

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Cairo.

In the meeting held on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit here, the prime minister stressed taking advantage of great potential to boost trade in different sectors including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather goods and IT.

The meeting took place in a cordial environment, truly reflecting the existing goodwill and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a PM Office press release.

Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries. He expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.

He expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the recent steps taken for the facilitation of trade and travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This includes waiving off the condition of 100% physical inspection of the consignments from Pakistan and abolishment of special security desk at the Dhaka airport earlier established to scrutinize Pakistani passengers.

The prime minister also thanked Bangladesh for doing away with additional clearance requirement for Pakistani visa applicants.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over recent positive developments in bilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing frequency of high-level contacts.

They agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasized the need to align efforts to achieve mutually beneficial development objectives.

The two leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges including enhanced exchange of artists, sportspersons, academics, and students etc.

They noted with satisfaction the recent visit by the Bangladesh Cricket Team to Pakistan and a concert of a Pakistani artist in Dhaka.

 
Ending up being better for India as well, with Hasina seemed like Indian businesses were restricted but now textile exports esp to Europe have increased.
GOI needs to give subsidies and make sure border is closed and get textile manufacturing to be better again.
 

Dhaka wants to 'settle 1971' to spur Pak ties​


Bangladesh wanted to resolve its "outstanding grievances" from the war that led to the creation of the country in 1971, and move forward, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a bilateral meeting in Cairo on Thursday.

Shehbaz, who is in the Egyptian capital to attend the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation meeting, held bilateral meetings with the leaders from the member countries on the fringes of the summit, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

A statement issued by Bangladesh Chief Adviser's Office stated that Yunus had "agreed to strengthen relations" with Pakistan. "The [1971] issues have kept coming again and again," Yunus told Shehbaz, according to the statement. "Let's settle those issues for us to move forward."

The statement further stated that Chief Adviser Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz "agreed to strength-en relations between the two countries through increased trade, commerce, and exchange of sports and cultural delegations".

Dhaka's statement said that both the leaders "agreed to strengthen [bilateral] relations through in-creased trade, commerce, and exchange of sports and cultural delegations". It added that Yunus expressed his intentions to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

The moribund eight-nation South Asian grouping remained stalled for years because of India's obduracy towards Pakistan. "This is a top priority," Yunus told Shehbaz. "I want a summit of Saarc leaders even if it is only for a photo session, because that will carry a strong message".

Taking to microblogging website of X, Shehbaz described the meeting as cordial, saying that he had a "warm and cordial exchange" with Yunus. "Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepen bilateral and multilateral collaboration," he posted on social media platform X.

A separate statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said that the Shehbaz-Yunus meeting took place in a cordial environment, truly reflecting the existing goodwill and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The prime minister, the statement further said, called for taking advantage of great potential to boost trade in different sectors, including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather goods and information technology (IT).

Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's keen desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. He expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the recent steps for the facilitation of trade and travel between the two countries.

Shehbaz also thanked Bangladesh for doing away with additional clearance requirements for Pakistani visa applicants, waiving off of the condition of 100% physical inspection of the consignments from Pakistan and abolition of special security desk at the Dhaka airport to scrutinise Pakistani passengers.

While expressing satisfaction with the recent positive developments in bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasised the need to align efforts to achieve mutually beneficial development objectives.

In the Egyptian capital, Shehbaz joined the leaders of the D-8 countries at the 11th D-8 Summit, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The Cairo moot gathered leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia.

On the sidelines of the summit, Shehbaz also had bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He also met with Egypt President El Sisi, who warmly received the prime minister at the Summit venue.

During the meeting with Erdogan, both sides reiterated their resolve to support each other on core is-sues of national interest, including Turkiye's support for Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan's support for Turkiye's stance on the Cyprus issue.

They also discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and Syria. Both the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for a promised homeland. They condemned the Israeli genocidal actions against the innocent Palestinians.

Shehbaz emphasised that the two countries should increase economic cooperation in new areas for foreign investment and joint ventures, particularly in IT, agriculture and green technology. They agreed to continue to work together for further deepening economic, trade, and defence cooperation.

Erdogan stressed the need for closely working together to promote regional peace and stability. He appreciated notable improvement in Pakistan's economy, and also lauded Pakistan for sending substantial humanitarian support to Palestine and Lebanon.

Talking to the Iranian President during the bilateral meeting, Shehbaz underscored the importance of operationalising the border markets, which had already been inaugurated. He called for joint efforts for the inauguration of remaining markets.

Both the leaders expressed the hope that the decisions taken at the D-8 Summit would pave the way for enhanced cooperation among the member states in mutually beneficial areas. Shehbaz said that Pakistan stood in complete solidarity with its brothers and sisters from Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.

Shehbaz also held a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to maintain the momentum in bilateral relations with particular emphasis on further deepening economic and commercial ties.

Emphasising Pakistan's deep interest in engaging with the Association of Southseast Asian Nations (Asean), Shehbaz said that Pakistan appreciated Indonesia's support in achieving Sectoral Partner Status in Asean and the membership of the Asean Regional Forum.

"With Indonesia's support, Pakistan looks forward to becoming a Full Dialogue Partner of Asean," he told President Subianto. Both the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the statement said.

 
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