Thaw in ties

Ever since the end of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, there have been unmistakable signs of a revival in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties. Last week, a cargo vessel that departed from the Karachi port arrived at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port, establishing the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries. Pakistan’s high commissioner to Bangladesh reportedly termed the direct shipping route a major step towards enhancing bilateral trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and a more integrated trade network across the region. Pakistani goods previously had to be off-loaded onto feeder vessels – usually in Sri Lanka, Malaysia or Singapore – before travelling to Bangladesh. And, in a major step towards enhancing academic collaboration between the two countries, Dhaka University has officially reversed its ban on admitting Pakistani students. Under the updated policy, Pakistani students will now be eligible to enroll at Dhaka University, while Bangladeshi students will similarly be encouraged to pursue higher education opportunities in Pakistan. These are welcome developments for Pakistan, raising the potential for the country to build stronger trade, diplomatic and educational ties with more countries. Having a wide repertoire of international allies and partners is becoming more and more important in an increasingly multipolar world. It is also encouraging to see that at least some in the South Asia region can overcome historic conflicts to move the region towards greater cooperation and integration.

These are two things that have been hard to come by in this part of the world, where bilateral ties are often strained by past wars, ethno-religious divides and ongoing unjust occupations. Much of Sheikh Hasina’s rule fit this pattern, at least when it came to Pakistan, as her tenure saw little progress in bilateral relations. Instead, Hasina’s policies drew her country closer to India, sidelining Pakistan. The decision of Dhaka University to allow Pakistani students and the establishment of direct maritime ties are signs that things are now moving in another direction. It also goes to show that, unlike what many foreign (usually Western) analysts have predicted, there is an alternative to Indian hegemony in South Asia.

However, it is too early to say whether the recent thaw in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties is going to become a permanent feature of regional politics. The two countries certainly do share similar interests and problems, including climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and the need for more robust inter-regional trade. Both nations also stand to gain from collaborative approaches in addressing these challenges, as stronger ties can bring economic benefits and foster mutual understanding. But politics is a fickle beast, and the pendulum can easily swing back in the other direction in the coming years. One can only hope that leaders in both Pakistan and Bangladesh take this opportunity to build the sort of lasting linkages that can ensure strong ties on a lasting basis and help solve any disagreements that do come up amicably. Only through sustained efforts and mutual trust can these recent gains translate into a meaningful and enduring partnership.