ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials have discussed expanding cooperation in overseas employment and human resource development, the Pakistan’s information ministry said, reflecting growing engagement between the two countries.
The discussions followed a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Dr. Asif Nazrul, adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue 2026.
The meeting comes as Islamabad seeks to rebuild relations with Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Both countries are looking to strengthen institutional linkages and share expertise to enhance workforce mobility and skills training for expatriates.
Pakistani officials briefed their counterparts on the role and initiatives of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), while Bangladesh shared insights into the operational framework of its Technical Training Centers.
“The two sides exchanged views on shared challenges faced by their overseas labor force and discussed best practices in skills development and training for expatriate workers,” the information ministry said.
Officials from both countries expressed keen interest in learning from each other’s experiences in human resource development and labor export, including recruitment processes, skills training, and reintegration mechanisms for returning workers.
Pakistan and Bangladesh share a complex history, having been part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following the 1971 civil war. Relations between the two nations were historically strained, but ties have warmed since August 2024, after Hasina’s departure from office, who was widely regarded as an ally of India.
The warming of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations comes amid ongoing tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, particularly over India’s decision to grant asylum to Hasina.
During the discussions, officials also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in education, health, tourism, and trade.
“Both sides expressed their commitment to continued engagement and constructive dialogue to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest,” the Pakistani information ministry added.
