Pakistan and Bangladesh are poised to enter a new chapter in their bilateral relations following a period of tension during the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar is set to make a significant visit to Dhaka in the first week of February.

Dar has confirmed that he will travel to Dhaka after his trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he will be from February 3 to 5. He expressed to reporters that this visit aims to engage with the new leadership in Bangladesh and to initiate a fresh phase in their diplomatic ties.

This upcoming trip is expected to be a pivotal moment in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as it will be the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012. Relations between the two countries have been steadily improving since the removal of pro-India Sheikh Hasina Wajid from power following a student-led movement in August 2024.

Dar noted that his visit is being made at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Chief Executive Dr. Muhammad Yunus has accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan on dates that will be mutually agreed upon.

Hina Rabbani Khar was the most recent Pakistani foreign minister to visit Bangladesh in 2012, during which she invited then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid to come to Islamabad.

Both Islamabad and Dhaka have participated in high-level exchanges, removed trade barriers, and commenced direct maritime trade, resulting in a notable increase in bilateral trade.

Dar referred to Bangladesh as a “brother country” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to supporting Dhaka. Previously, Bangladesh had reinstated admissions for Pakistani students at Dhaka University and eliminated security checks for these students at the airport and for shipments at ports.

Last month (December), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief executive of Bangladesh met on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, where they agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relationship.