Pakistan and Bangladesh Sign Six Key Agreements During Ishaq Dar’s Historic Dhaka Visit

Pakistan and Bangladesh have entered a new chapter in their bilateral relations. On August 24, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded a historic two-day visit to Dhaka, marking the most senior Pakistani visit in over a decade. The visit, which follows last year’s political changes in Bangladesh, resulted in the signing of six significant agreements (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, culture, academia, diplomacy, and media.

This development is being hailed as a “milestone in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations”, opening the door for stronger ties between the two South Asian nations after decades of tension.

During the delegation-level talks between Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, six instruments of cooperation were finalized:

1. Visa Abolition Agreement – Granting visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports.
2. Joint Working Group on Trade – To boost trade, connectivity, and economic cooperation.
3. Foreign Service Academy MoU – Facilitating training and collaboration between diplomats.
4. APP–BSS Media Cooperation – Partnership between the Associated Press of Pakistan and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
5. Academic Cooperation MoU – Between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
6. Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2028) – Promoting people-to-people contacts through cultural initiatives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held wide-ranging talks with the Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh, H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain in Dhaka. Both sides reviewed entire gamut of bilateral relations, including high level exchanges , trade… pic.twitter.com/nqELdHhbjU

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2025

This visit is being called historic because it comes at a time when both nations are realigning regional partnerships. For years, relations were strained under Sheikh Hasina’s government, which leaned heavily towards India. With the new interim setup in Dhaka, both sides are working to rebuild trust.

The agreements cover multiple sectors, showing that Pakistan and Bangladesh are focusing not just on trade and economics, but also on cultural, educational, and diplomatic ties.

Trade and investment were major focus areas. Both sides agreed on:

• Expanding sea trade (which began in 2024).
• Initiating direct Dhaka–Karachi flights to strengthen connectivity.
• Encouraging joint commissions to boost trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.

Bangladesh’s key trade officials, including the Governor of Bangladesh Bank and Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, joined the talks, highlighting Dhaka’s seriousness about strengthening economic ties.

Pakistan also launched the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor project, offering:

• 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students over the next five years.
• 100 training slots for Bangladeshi civil servants.
• A special focus on medical education scholarships.

This initiative reflects Pakistan’s intent to build a long-term partnership through education and capacity building.

Coinciding with the visit of DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 to Bangladesh, Pakistan is pleased to launch “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.” The project envisages grant of 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students for pursuing higher studies in Pakistan during the next five years. A…

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2025

The talks also covered sensitive regional and global issues:

• Revitalization of SAARC.
• The Palestine conflict.
• The Rohingya refugee crisis.

Both sides emphasized cooperation on humanitarian concerns, underlining their shared responsibility as regional players.

For decades, Pakistan-Bangladesh relations were overshadowed by historical grievances and Dhaka’s close alignment with New Delhi. However, recent political changes in Bangladesh, including the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, have reshaped the dynamics.

Analysts note that while India remains concerned about closer Dhaka-Islamabad ties, both countries have clarified that their cooperation is rooted in mutual economic and cultural interests, not external rivalries.

Ishaq Dar’s Dhaka visit is more than symbolic, it signals a genuine shift in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. By signing six comprehensive agreements and launching new initiatives like the Knowledge Corridor, both countries are moving towards a forward-looking partnership built on trade, education, culture, and diplomacy.

This milestone could redefine the regional balance in South Asia, provided both sides maintain the momentum through consistent follow-ups and meaningful implementation of these agreements.