Following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, Pakistan and Bangladesh are strengthening ties based on shared concerns about India. Military cooperation is being emphasized, alongside discussions to resolve historical grievances, economic partnerships, and evolving diplomatic exchanges. While experts acknowledge opportunities for growth, they caution against potential overestimations of these relations due to longstanding issues.
In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power, Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen a rapprochement rooted in their mutual concerns regarding India. During a recent meeting in Islamabad, General Asim Munir of Pakistan and Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan of Bangladesh emphasized military cooperation, labeling their nations as “brotherly.” This marks a shift from their historically strained relationship, which has been characterized by animosity since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence.
The deterioration of relations between Dhaka and Islamabad intensified during Hasina’s nearly 16-year tenure, which ended amid widespread protests. Following her ouster and subsequent escape to India, the political landscape has shifted, now favoring a collaboration bolstered by shared anti-India sentiment. Recent dialogues include high-profile exchanges between Prime Ministers Sharif and Yunus and plans for future visits by top officials.
The historical rivalry between the two nations stems from Bangladesh’s brutal liberation war against Pakistan, which resulted in significant human rights violations. While Pakistan recognized Bangladesh’s independence in 1974, numerous issues remain unresolved, including a formal apology for past atrocities and complications surrounding the repatriation of Urdu-speaking populations. At a recent summit, Yunus urged Sharif to address these longstanding matters directly.
Political analysts suggest the strained relationship between India and Bangladesh during Hasina’s administration may have prompted this newfound cordiality. Yunus’s interim government has even called for Hasina’s extradition for accountability over her government’s human rights abuses. Meanwhile, India has expressed concern for religious minorities in Bangladesh, further straining ties between New Delhi and Dhaka.
The shifting variables in regional geopolitics also play a role, especially as India engages with the Taliban, a development viewed with caution by Islamabad. Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan has weakened following a rise in domestic insecurity, complicating its foreign policy maneuvers. Despite recent diplomatic advances, some experts caution against overestimating the potential for lasting collaboration, given the entrenched historical issues.
Economic motivations increasingly come to the forefront of reconciliatory efforts. Bangladesh’s robust growth rate of 6% starkly contrasts Pakistan’s 2.5%, leading Islamabad to seek stronger economic ties with its neighbor. As bilateral trade, currently heavily skewed in favor of Pakistan, matures, there may be a significant opening for mutually beneficial economic partnerships that have been limited in recent years due to prior diplomatic tensions.
In summary, the evolving dynamics between Pakistan and Bangladesh represent a complex interplay of political strategy, historical grievances, and economic interests. As both nations navigate their relations amidst external pressures, the potential for a collaborative future hinges on the resolution of historical issues and active diplomatic engagement.
The relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been predominantly defined by conflict since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, following a devastating war. The war resulted in severe human rights violations, with lingering resentment regarding unresolved issues such as apologies for past atrocities and the rights of displaced populations. The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, has led to a realignment of foreign relations, emphasizing military and economic cooperation with Pakistan amidst shared concerns towards India.
In conclusion, the recent rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh highlights a shifting geopolitical landscape driven by shared interests against India and a mutual desire for improved relations. While historical grievances remain, the focus on military and economic cooperation signals a significant turning point, paving the way for potential collaboration that could redefine interactions within South Asia as both nations seek to overcome past animosities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
