Deepanwita Martin
Bangladesh Strengthens Ties with Pakistan: Visa Waivers, Maritime Trade Resumption, and Arms Deals Raise Concerns for Geopolitical Shift with Regional Implications in asia.
Strengthening ties with Islamabad:
DHAKA,Bangladesh’s interim government, under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is demonstrating a notable pivot toward closer relations with Pakistan. In the last 100 days, this shift has become increasingly evident, with key policy changes, defense collaborations, and symbolic gestures indicating a reorientation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. While these steps are aimed at strengthening ties with Islamabad, they are raising alarms in India, which perceives these moves as a threat to regional stability and its influence in South Asia.
Visa Policy Shift Marks Diplomatic Warming:
The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) recently instructed its missions worldwide to process visas for Pakistani citizens and individuals of Pakistani origin without requiring the previously mandatory “no objection clearance” (NOC). This requirement, introduced in 2019 under Sheikh Hasina’s administration, was meant to closely monitor Pakistani visitors due to historical tensions rooted in the 1971 Liberation War.
This policy reversal is part of a broader diplomatic thaw. Earlier this year, Pakistan waived visa fees for Bangladeshi travelers, and both nations announced the resumption of direct flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to restart services to Dhaka, which had been suspended since 2018.
Maritime Trade Resumed After 47 Years
For the first time in nearly five decades, a Pakistani freight ship recently docked at Bangladesh’s southeastern Chittagong port, marking the revival of direct maritime links between the two nations. The re-established route is being hailed as a step forward in enhancing trade and economic ties.
Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Dhaka, described this development as “a major step” for regional trade and cooperation. The route eliminates the need for Bangladeshi imports from Pakistan to be routed through third-party countries like Sri Lanka or Malaysia, streamlining logistics and reducing costs.
This follows a decision in September by Bangladesh to lift restrictions on Pakistani goods, including mandatory inspections that previously delayed shipments.
Growing Arms Trade Raises Security Concerns
One of the most controversial aspects of this growing partnership is Bangladesh’s increased procurement of defense equipment from Pakistan. In August, Dhaka placed a significant order for military supplies, including 40,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, 2,000 tank ammunition units, 40 tons of RDX explosives, and 2,900 high-intensity projectiles.
This substantial order dwarfs previous ones, such as the 12,000 rounds purchased in 2023, and has raised eyebrows in India. Indian security analysts fear that these defense agreements could deepen military ties between Dhaka and Islamabad, altering the regional power dynamics and potentially posing a threat to India’s security interests.
1971 Liberation War and Evolving Narratives:
Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have been fraught since the 1971 Liberation War, during which East Pakistan gained independence with India’s military support. For decades, this painful history defined their diplomatic ties, with Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina maintaining a strong pro-India stance.
However, the Yunus-led interim government appears to be steering a different course. In September, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh met with Bangladeshi officials to discuss resolving historical tensions, including those stemming from the 1971 war. Both sides expressed a desire to move forward, with Bangladesh’s IT adviser, Nahid Islam, stating, “We want to resolve the issue of 1971 with Pakistan. A democratic South Asia requires us to strengthen our relationship with each other.”
Though Pakistan still haven’t apologized or globally admitted for what they have done to Bangladesh in 1971. Includes massive genocide.
This shift in rhetoric was echoed at a commemoration event for Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, held at Dhaka’s National Press Club. Some speakers praised Jinnah’s legacy, controversially suggesting that without Pakistan’s creation, Bangladesh’s independence might not have been possible.
New Delhi:
India, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh, is deeply concerned about the implications of Dhaka’s realignment with Islamabad. Historically, this border has been a conduit for smuggling and militancy, and Indian officials fear that closer ties between Dhaka and Islamabad could exacerbate these challenges.
Past incidents, such as the 2004 seizure of 1,500 boxes of Chinese ammunition allegedly intended for militant groups in India’s northeast, highlight the potential security risks. Indian intelligence attributed this smuggling attempt to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), further fueling suspicions about the consequences of renewed Bangladesh-Pakistan collaboration.
Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute, described the developments as “unsurprising but troubling,” noting that Dhaka’s pivot away from India reflects growing frustrations with its northern neighbor.
Minority Rights and Internal Strains
Compounding India’s concerns are recent incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and the controversial arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON priest. While India has urged Dhaka to do more to protect minority communities, Bangladesh has dismissed these calls as “propaganda.”
In an interview with The New York Times, Yunus criticized India’s portrayal of his government, accusing New Delhi of trying to equate Bangladesh with Afghanistan. He also questioned India’s decision to shelter Sheikh Hasina, stating, “She is in India. She keeps talking. That’s destabilizing for the whole country.”
A New Geopolitical Equation
Analysts see these developments as a significant shift in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape. Mubashar Hasan, an expert on Bangladeshi politics, noted that Dhaka’s growing ties with Islamabad reflect its desire to escape India’s shadow in regional politics.
However, this shift may come at a cost. As the United States and other global powers continue to view South Asia through an India-centric lens, Bangladesh’s new foreign policy direction could strain its relationships with key international allies.
Opinion: The Last 100 Days,A Clear Alliance
The actions of the interim government over the past three months clearly signal an intent to realign with Pakistan. This raises questions about whether Bangladesh is attempting to undo the very sovereignty it fought for in 1971? With key moves like arms deals, restored maritime trade, and attempts to downplay the atrocities of 1971,a recent call and meeting held for national unity against India. And the current relationships between Pakistan high commissioner and advisors of the interim government.The Yunus administration seems to be laying the groundwork for a partnership that could significantly alter the region’s geopolitical landscape. For asia this is not just a diplomatic challenge—it’s a wake-up call to reassess its strategy in the neighborhood.
The India that sacrificed 17,000 soldiers to protect Bangladesh from Pakistan’s aggression is now being labeled as an enemy.
The India that offered refuge, food, and shelter to 10 million Bangladeshis fleeing war is now being called an adversary.
The India that armed and trained freedom fighters to defend Bangladesh against Pakistani forces is now deemed a threat.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, which killed 3 million people and raped 200,000 women during the 1971 war, is now being treated as a friend.
The Pakistan that leads the world in producing terrorists is now embraced as an ally.
The Pakistan that has yet to apologize for the atrocities committed in 1971 is now considered a friendly nation.
This shift in allegiances raises questions about the moral and strategic calculations behind current diplomatic moves.
Deepanwita Martin, Sub Editor, The Voice News