Ishaq Dar Meets Bangladesh’s Yunus: Saarc Revival, Trade Ties and New Cooperation in Focus
Dhaka, August 24, 2025 – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a landmark meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his two-day visit to Dhaka, the first such high-level engagement in more than a decade. The talks centered on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing regional cooperation, and revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).
Renewed Engagement After Years of Strained Ties
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have warmed notably since the political transition in Dhaka last year, when Sheikh Hasina’s government was ousted by a popular uprising. This shift has opened doors for improved dialogue, trade opportunities, and people-to-people contact between the two nations.
The Foreign Office described Dar’s visit as a “milestone step” in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, marking the first trip by a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka in 13 years.
Focus on Regional Cooperation and Youth Linkages
During his discussions with Professor Yunus, Dar explored ways to rebuild traditional connections between the two countries. Both sides emphasised boosting youth exchanges, cultural ties, and regional economic integration.
Professor Yunus underlined the importance of Saarc in promoting peace and prosperity across South Asia, stressing that Bangladesh views partnerships with Pakistan and other member states as a key priority.
Agreements and MoUs Signed
Dar’s visit also saw the signing of six major agreements covering diverse fields such as trade, education, diplomacy, media, and cultural exchange. These included:
Visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders
An MoU on a Joint Working Group for trade
Agreements between foreign service academies and media agencies of both countries
A cultural exchange programme and an academic cooperation pact
The initiatives aim to institutionalise cooperation in trade, economics, media, diplomacy training, and academic research.
Knowledge Corridor and Scholarships
In a significant announcement, Pakistan launched the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. Under this project, Islamabad will award 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 25% dedicated to medical studies. Training opportunities for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will also be provided.
Additionally, scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme will be increased from 5 to 25.
Political and Business Engagements
Apart from Yunus, Dar met former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Dr Shafiqur Rahman, and other political leaders. He conveyed goodwill messages from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and highlighted Pakistan’s desire for “forward-looking and cooperative” relations.
On the business front, Dar and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held detailed talks with Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and senior economic officials. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and enhancing connectivity between the two economies.
Cultural and Historical Links
At a reception hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, Dar reiterated that Pakistan and Bangladesh share centuries-old traditions, Islamic heritage, and cultural bonds. He expressed hope for a prosperous future for the people of Bangladesh and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to building a positive partnership.
Saarc, Palestine, and Rohingya Issues
Regional and international issues were also discussed, with both sides stressing the need to rejuvenate Saarc and to find just solutions for global humanitarian concerns, including Palestine and the Rohingya crisis.
Next Steps
According to Bangladesh’s The Daily Star, Islamabad and Dhaka are planning to reconvene the long-stalled Joint Economic Commission later this year. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb may visit Bangladesh in September or October to lead Pakistan’s delegation.