Dhaka: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Sunday focused on reviving historic connections during a meeting between Pakistan's visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the discussions included rejuvenating old ties, promoting youth linkages, and improving connectivity, as well as enhancing trade and economic cooperation. The dialogue also covered recent regional developments and prospects for regional cooperation. Ishaq Dar conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Chief Adviser and shared the key outcomes of his engagements in Dhaka. He expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended during his visit.
Moreover, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, at her residence. Given Begum Zia's prolonged illness, Dar extended best wishes for her speedy recovery and relayed greetings from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledging her contributions as former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The meeting also recalled her visit to Pakistan in 2006.
During the visit, Ishaq Dar also held discussions with Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, head of the religious political party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. On behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Dar conveyed best wishes for Dr. Rahman's health and appreciated his contributions in politics, education, and social welfare.
Coinciding with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's visit, Islamabad announced the launch of the "Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor," aiming to grant 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students for higher studies in Pakistan over the next five years. The Deputy Prime Minister's visit, on the invitation of the Bangladeshi government, included meetings with top leadership and political stakeholders, reviewing various aspects of bilateral relations including trade, cultural exchanges, and sports.
Earlier, Pakistan and Bangladesh signed six Memorandums of Understanding across various sectors to bolster bilateral relations. This visit marked the first state visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years, highlighting the historical backdrop of the countries' separation in 1971 and subsequent strained relations.