Leap forward to Dhaka
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The change of heart in Bangladesh has opened new vistas of cooperation for Pakistan. For the first time in their chequered history, the two nations – realising the necessity to reconnect – are busy exploring new grounds of cooperation. The fact that they have kick-started trade and commerce during the last six months, since the dismissal of the Awami League government in August 2024, is a good omen. This is a milestone in their otherwise estranged ties and must take a leap forward in cementing new horizons of amalgamation.
It is, likewise, going to be a momentous turn of history as a PNSC vessel will dock on a Bangladeshi port. Dhaka has bought 50,000 tonnes of rice from Islamabad, and the same will be shipped in two consignments. Pakistan is fortunate to have a trade surplus with Bangladesh – amid exports to the tune of $500 million – thereby possessing a great leverage of furthering it in many such products that are manufactured cheaply at home.
The enthusiasm with which Pakistani private airlines are interested in flying to Dhaka and Chittagong is momentous, and needs to be endorsed and facilitated. Last but not least, the two sides should to buoy maritime cooperation as there is a lot of sea-borne activity that can bring dividends to their respective industries.
Another breakthrough that has been witnessed is easing of visa regulations, and Bangladeshi authorities are kind enough to offer special facilities at trade and commerce channels. This is an epoch-making moment, and should be emulated by other neighbours of Pakistan which unnecessarily nurse vendetta and believe in obstructing geo-economics on politicised whims and wishes.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have a long way to go, and are in need of tapping new horizons in literature, culture and history. One of the fundamental areas that will be of great help to Pakistan is benefitting from Bangladesh's intellectual corridors through student interaction, and intermingling of academia. Coming together of these communities by burying the hatchet is indispensable.
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