Islamabad (TDI): Senior military officials from Pakistan and Bangladesh met in Rawalpindi on Friday, to discuss and expand defense and security cooperation, in a broader warming of ties between the two countries.
The meeting took place between Bangladesh Quarter Master General Lt. Gen. Md Faizur Rahman and Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, at the Joint Staff Headquarters.
The talks included a review of the regional security environment and reaffirmations from both sides to increase defense collaboration.
Gen. Mirza noted the “rising trajectory of bilateral relations” and identified new opportunities for defense cooperation. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rahman lauded the professionalism and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against militancy and terrorism.
This defense outreach comes against the backdrop of a profound shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
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Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, historically aligned more closely with India, was ousted following a popular uprising in August 2024. Her departure has catalyzed a diplomatic reset, enabling Dhaka to pursue closer ties with Islamabad.
In recent months, bilateral mechanisms have been revitalized. Pakistan has moved to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people engagement with Bangladesh. The ongoing visit of Pakistan Foreign Minister has made all of these engagements part of a pronounced policy shift.
In February, both countries agreed to launch passenger and cargo shipping services between Karachi and Chittagong, easing travel and boosting regional trade. Bangladesh also began importing 50,000 tons of rice directly from Pakistan.
The naval forces are also coming closer, with exchanges and coordination highlighted during Bangladesh’s Chief of Naval Staff visit to Pakistan for the AMAN‑25 maritime exercise and dialogue.
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