Pakistan, Bangladesh approve visa-free entry The Pakistan-Bangladesh relationship has long been haunted by the scars of 1971, when Bangladesh, once East Pakistan, broke away after a brutal civil war, with India playing a key role in its independence. For years, mistrust and limited contact defined their ties, with Bangladesh leaning heavily on India, especially under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (2009–2024). Her government’s close ties with New Delhi often left Pakistani diplomats and businesses facing roadblocks in Dhaka.
Everything changed in August 2024, when Hasina was ousted in a popular uprising and fled to India. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, seized the moment to reset ties with Pakistan. The visa-free deal for diplomats and officials is a major milestone in this thaw, showing both nations are ready to move past old wounds and embrace a future of collaboration.
What’s in the Visa-Free Deal?
Finalized in August 2025, the visa-free agreement was greenlit by Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, chaired by Muhammad Yunus, and matched by Pakistan. For the next five years, diplomats and government officials from both countries can travel without visas, making official visits smoother and encouraging cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchanges. Shafiqul Alam, Yunus’s press secretary, called it a “routine matter,” noting Bangladesh has similar deals with 31 other countries. But the timing suggests it’s a strategic step to deepen ties with Pakistan.
The deal came to life after a key meeting in Dhaka on July 23, 2025, between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. They didn’t just settle on visa-free travel—they also discussed teaming up on internal security, police training, counter-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, and counter-terrorism efforts. A joint committee, led by Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, was set up to make these plans a reality, with a Bangladeshi team soon visiting Islamabad to explore Pakistan’s Safe City Project and National Police Academy.
The momentum continued with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan visiting Dhaka, where he met Bangladesh’s Industries Adviser, Adilur Rahman Khan. They pushed for joint ventures and investments, with Khan urging Bangladeshi businesses to snap up Pakistani goods like cement, sugar, footwear, and leather.
A Boost for Trade and Economy
This visa-free deal is part of a bigger push to supercharge economic ties. In 2024–25, bilateral trade hit USD 865 million, with Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan jumping 20% to USD 78 million and Pakistan’s exports soaring by 28%. Direct shipping has resumed, and plans for direct flights are in the works, with Fly Jinnah already approved to operate in Bangladesh, and Air Sial and Biman Bangladesh eyeing similar routes. These moves are set to cut costs and fuel trade further.
In January 2025, a Pakistani business delegation, led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited Dhaka—the first such trip in 12 years. It was a big step to revive economic ties, which had been stalled by political tensions and trade barriers under Hasina. The visa-free deal will make it easier for trade officials to travel, setting the stage for more business deals and collaborations.X
India’s Worries and Regional Shifts
The agreement has India on edge. New Delhi, long a close ally of Bangladesh, is nervous about Pakistan gaining ground in Dhaka, especially after Hasina’s exit. Indian security experts worry the visa-free deal could give Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) more access to Bangladesh, possibly fueling anti-India extremist activity that could spill into India’s northeastern states.
With Bangladesh-India ties strained over political shifts and border issues, Dhaka’s interim government is carving out a more independent path. The visa-free deal, alongside growing military and trade ties with Pakistan, hints at a strategic pivot that could challenge India’s dominance in South Asia. Still, Bangladesh insists the deal is routine, trying to balance ties with both neighbors in a tricky regional landscape.
A Bigger Picture for South Asia
This agreement is part of a broader effort to rebuild Pakistan-Bangladesh ties. A visit by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to Dhaka in April 2025—the first high-level talks in 15 years—set the stage. Five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on trade, culture, media, training, and travel are in the pipeline, promising to strengthen the partnership. READ NEXT https://elevenpakistan.com/imran-khan-second-nephew-sher-shah-khan-arrest/
For Pakistan, it’s a chance to reconnect regionally amid changing alliances. For Bangladesh, it’s about diversifying partnerships and reducing reliance on India. The visa-free deal could even open the door to easier travel for business communities down the line, boosting economic ties further.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. The 1971 war still casts a shadow, with mistrust lingering in both countries, especially in Bangladesh. The deal’s success depends on smooth implementation and keeping the momentum going. India’s concerns could also stir up diplomatic pressure, complicating Bangladesh’s balancing act.
Looking forward, the agreement could lead to more relaxed travel and trade policies. Posts on X in 2024 hinted at Pakistan waiving visa fees for Bangladeshi citizens and speeding up tourist and business visas, though these need confirmation. Still, they show growing public excitement for closer ties.
A New Chapter for South Asia
The visa-free entry for diplomats and officials is a game-changer for Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, moving them from a painful past to practical cooperation. Backed by high-level talks and economic initiatives, it shows both nations are serious about building stronger diplomatic, trade, and security ties. While India watches warily, the deal highlights Bangladesh’s push for independence and Pakistan’s drive to reconnect regionally. With sustained effort and careful navigation of regional tensions, this agreement could spark a brighter, more collaborative future for South Asia.
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