Pakistan and Bangladesh are strengthening ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, driven by shared anti-India sentiment. Recent military meetings underscore collaboration and an intention to resolve historical grievances. High-level exchanges between leaders highlight a geopolitical shift in South Asia, suggesting potential for enhanced cooperation despite historical tensions.
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Pakistan and Bangladesh have begun to strengthen their ties amidst a shared anti-India sentiment. The recent meeting between Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, and Bangladesh’s military officer Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan marked a significant step. The Pakistani military described the two countries as ‘brotherly nations,’ highlighting the potential for enhanced collaboration.
Hasina’s nearly 16-year rule saw heightened tensions between Islamabad and Dhaka, fueled by historical grievances dating back to Bangladesh’s independence war in 1971. Since her departure, the new political landscape appears to favor rapprochement, with both nations expressing the importance of military ties. High-level exchanges, including those involving Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, reflect this warming relationship.
Unresolved issues stemming from the past, such as Pakistan’s lack of a formal apology for wartime atrocities and the repatriation of Urdu-speaking people, linger in the background. During their Cairo meeting, Yunus urged Sharif to settle these longstanding matters, emphasizing the need for resolution for the sake of future generations.
Geopolitical shifts in South Asia have also influenced relations, particularly concerning India. The current Bangladeshi administration has recalibrated its stance towards Pakistan following strained ties with India over Hasina’s past governance. Despite calls for legal action against Hasina, India’s support for her regime complicates its position.
Some experts caution against overinterpreting the recent diplomatic gestures as a complete turnaround. Historical tensions and divergent interests persist, indicating that while engagement may increase, Bangladesh will remain cautious in adopting an overtly anti-India position. The geographical and economic realities ensure that relationships will be navigated carefully.
Pakistan’s engagement with Bangladesh also aligns with its attempts to strengthen partnerships amidst regional shifts, especially with India engaging with the Taliban. Former Pakistani diplomats suggest that these developing ties could signify a hopeful new beginning for Pakistan and Bangladesh, favoring military support and collaboration.
The economic dynamics between the two countries are evolving, as Bangladesh’s economic growth outpaces that of Pakistan. The disparity in trade illustrates the potential benefits that could arise from better bilateral relations, whereby Pakistan may seek to enhance trade volumes significantly. A renewed focus on diplomatic and economic ties could usher in an era of cooperation post-Hasina.
The backdrop of the current relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh is steeped in their shared history, particularly rooted in the 1971 war of liberation. Following intense conflicts and subsequent independence, ties have fluctuated between camaraderie and animosity, often influenced by political leadership and external factors, notably India’s regional policies. Recent changes in Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, reveal an emerging inclination towards rekindled connections with Pakistan, spurred largely by mutual apprehensions regarding India.
In conclusion, the evolving relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh signals a shift in regional dynamics driven by geopolitical concerns. The newfound collaboration, underscored by military and diplomatic engagements, proves significant against the backdrop of historical animosities. However, while the current engagement suggests optimism, caution is warranted as both nations navigate their complex historical legacies and the ongoing influence of India in South Asia.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com