ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at revitalising decades-old ties, Pakistan and Bangladesh are exploring Fifth Freedom Flight arrangements to establish direct air connectivity and expand trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic cooperation.
Envoys from both nations have called for moving beyond the shadows of 1971 to focus on practical collaboration in aviation, commerce, and regional linkages, including potential routes through third countries under international carrier partnerships.
The proposal, supported by envoys and officials from both nations, could enable international airlines to operate routes between Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of extended services through third countries.
According to The Express Tribune, Bangladesh’s Climate Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UN ESCAP Faiyaz Murshid Kazi expressed optimism about the future of bilateral ties.
The diplomats told the newspaper that both countries need to move beyond historical narratives and focus on practical measures for collaboration in trade, connectivity, education, and culture.
Expanding air connectivity
Hasan noted that Dhaka is expanding its national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, to reduce travel challenges arising from the absence of direct flights.
Ambassador Kazi echoed her concern, highlighting fleet limitations and competition pressures faced by both national and private airlines.
High Commissioner Khan proposed involving international carriers—such as those from the UAE or China—to establish routes under the Fifth Freedom arrangement.
“Encouraging them to create direct connectivity could prove beneficial,” he said, while Kazi reiterated that Bangladesh has the political will to advance such cooperation, despite logistical and financial challenges.
Kazi also suggested revitalising business linkages to rebuild confidence between the two countries, stating, “Cleaning the financial sector at both ends would allow businesses to explore opportunities.”
Economic and trade potential
Highlighting each country’s comparative advantages, Kazi said Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical and electronics industries could complement Pakistan’s strengths in sports goods and medical instruments. Mutual investments in agri-processing, food security, and fisheries were also proposed.
“Pakistan can consider investing in Bangladesh’s fisheries sector with buyback arrangements,” Kazi noted, adding that Bangladesh remains a rice-importing country that could benefit from Pakistan’s agricultural exports.
Boosting regional connectivity
The envoy underscored the strategic importance of improved air and maritime links, calling for the revival of direct flights between Dhaka–Islamabad and Dhaka–Karachi, particularly to facilitate the trade of perishable goods through air cargo.
He also suggested developing direct shipping routes leveraging Pakistan’s advanced port facilities and Bangladesh’s expanding maritime infrastructure, including the deep-sea port at Matharbari.
“Bangladesh can offer Pakistan access to Southeast Asia and the Far East, while Pakistan provides a gateway to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,” Kazi said, urging both nations to capitalise on their positions along the Indian Ocean.
Rekindling historical and cultural ties
Kazi also emphasised the shared civilisational, cultural, and religious linkages between the two countries. Acknowledging the painful memories of 1971, he said younger generations should move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership.
He called on the media, academia, and civil society to promote dialogue and cooperation, adding that Bangladesh’s active participation in regional sustainability forums reflects its commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections.
“Let’s learn from history and move forward so that harmony and solidarity flow—not just between our two countries, but across South Asia,” Kazi concluded.
