ISLAMABAD: A scheduled meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly has generated significant excitement in Bangladesh, reflecting a mutual desire for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.
This was shared by renowned international relations experts from Bangladesh, including Professor Saber Chaudhry of Dhaka University and Professor Shahab Enam Khan from Jhangirnagar University, during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on the theme “Post Hasina Wajid Bangladesh.”
The international relations experts from Bangladesh expressed optimism about the future under Yunus’s leadership, citing the country’s potential for political stability, economic growth, and balanced foreign relations. However, they also acknowledged that the reform process might encounter challenges due to the current politicized institutions.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the IRS, underscored the importance of building on the existing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He highlighted the need for enhanced bilateral ties and called for collaborative efforts to promote intra-regional cooperation, particularly through platforms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Ambassador Saleem noted the recent remarks of SAARC Secretary General Mohd Golam Sarvar, who emphasized the need for revitalization of the organization during his visit to Pakistan.
In his remarks, Dr. Syed Riffat Hussain, a prominent international relations expert, cautioned that the situation in Bangladesh remains fluid. He pointed out that the legacy of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could pose challenges for the interim government’s reform efforts.
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqi, former High Commissioner to Bangladesh, shared his experience of witnessing a deep affection for Pakistan among ordinary Bangladeshis, despite political challenges over the past 15 years.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Bangladesh and expressed hope that the mutual desire for closer ties would pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous future.
Professor Shahab Enam further identified potential areas for increased cooperation, including tourism, scholarly exchanges, and business interactions, which could further solidify relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, emphasized that Dr. Yunus’s interim government enjoys support from major political parties for comprehensive economic and constitutional reforms. He dismissed concerns about ethnic or communal violence in Bangladesh, attributing such narratives to misinformation propagated by external sources.
Professor Saber Ahmed Chowdhry elaborated on the youth-led protests in Bangladesh, framing them as a response to years of marginalization and widespread corruption within the political system. He stressed the importance of involving younger generations in the reform process, particularly in critical sectors like law enforcement, judiciary, and electoral commission.
Audiences from various fields of life, including diplomats, researchers, academics, and students from universities across Islamabad, attended the roundtable.
