Deputy PM Dar meets Bangladesh’s Yunus, discusses revival of bilateral ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his landmark visit to Dhaka, reproted 24NewsHD TV Channel.

According to a post on X by the Foreign Office (FO), Dar called on Yunus and apprised him of the developments during his trip. The pair discussed “recent developments in the region and the prospects of regional cooperation”. 

“The discussion covered revival of old connections between the two countries, promoting youth linkages, enhancing connectivity, and augmenting trade and economic cooperation,” the FO wrote.

Earlier, Pakistan and Bangladesh signed six agreements in various areas of cooperation on Sunday as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar made a historic visit to Dhaka to build on the reset in ties. 

Ever since a popular uprising in Bangladesh saw Sheikh Hasina’s government toppled in August of last year, there has been a thaw in ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, with trade and bilateral relations seeing a marked improvement. Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relations across various sectors. This understanding was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain in Dhaka today (Sunday).

The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including high-level exchanges, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people contacts, and humanitarian issues. Additionally, they discussed regional and international matters, such as revitalizing SAARC, and addressing the Palestine and Rohingya crises. The Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh also hosted a luncheon in honour of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. 

An agreement to abolish visas for diplomats and government officials, an MoU between the Foreign Service Academies, and an MoU between the Associated Press Pakistan and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha are also included in these MoUs.

In addition, an MoU on cultural exchanges, a trade joint working group, and an Institute of Strategic Studies were also signed.

Earlier today, high-level talks were held between the delegations of Pakistan and Bangladesh in Dhaka, in which detailed discussions were held on regional issues, bilateral relations, and economic and trade cooperation, while the revival of SAARC and the promotion of cooperation in the region were also considered.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while the Bangladeshi delegation was led by Advisor on Foreign Affairs Mohammad Towhid Hussain. The talks were also attended by senior officials from relevant departments of both countries.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a detailed meeting with Bangladeshi Advisor on Foreign Affairs Mohammad Towhid Hussain in Dhaka.

They reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level contacts, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, cooperation in education and capacity building, and humanitarian issues.

He said regional and international issues were also discussed in the meeting, including the revival of SAARC, the resolution of the Palestinian issue, and the Rohingya issue.

The talks took place in a positive atmosphere that reflected the existing goodwill and friendly relations between the two countries, he said, adding that the two sides agreed that joint efforts would be continued to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Bangladeshi foreign advisor also hosted a luncheon in honour of the deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar.

Deputy Prime Minister visits residence of Ameer Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 

Ishaq Dar visited the residence of Ameer Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman, who is convalescing after a cardiac surgery.

On behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and his own behalf, he conveyed best wishes for the good health and well-being of Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

He also appreciated the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer's life-long positive contributions in the fields of politics, education and social welfare. 

Dar meets Bangladesh Commerce Advisor Bashiruddin in Dhaka

Earlier, Dar held an important trade-focused meeting attended by Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, along with Bangladesh’s Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, senior officials, and heads of key Bangladeshi state trade institutions.

Among the participants were the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, the Chairman of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, the Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, and the Acting Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau.

Secretaries of Commerce and Aviation, as well as the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, also joined the session.

Both sides discussed bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation in detail, emphasising enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.

According to sources, Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to meet Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus later today.

Additionally, he will hold a meeting with Touhid Hussain, advisor at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reporter: Anwar Abbas