Pakistan, Bangladesh agree to strengthen trade, commerce and cultural ties

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced on X.

According to the ministry, the two men had a “detailed exchange of views on bilateral relations, the regional situation and Pakistan’s reconciliatory role.” Minister Islam appreciated Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran conflict.

The two sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the fields of trade, business and culture. It was also agreed to increase mutual exchanges of delegations for the promotion of commercial and cultural relations.

“There are vast investment opportunities in Pakistan,” Naqvi said during the meeting.

Besides, discussions were also held regarding the visit of the Bangladeshi minister to Pakistan.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Director General South Asia Ishrat Jahan, Director Shamima Yasmin and Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider were also present on the occasion, the Home Ministry said.

The meeting comes as part of Naqvi’s two-day visit to Bangladesh and a day after his meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Salahuddin Ahmed. The two men signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against smuggling, drug trafficking and drug abuse. The two sides also agreed to strengthen security ties.

Read: Pakistan-Bangladesh trade hits $1 billion mark

The formulation of a joint strategy to disrupt illegal narcotics sales and supply channels was also agreed, as well as the timely exchange of information between the relevant agencies of the two countries regarding drug networks and traffickers.

In addition, an agreement was reached on shared training of personnel, use of modern technologies and the creation of a joint secretary-level working group between the two interior ministries to advance cooperation.

The development comes against the backdrop of a broader recalibration of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have shown signs of gradual transformation after decades of limited engagement, particularly in the area of ​​defense and security.

Learn more: How Pakistan reconquers Bangladesh

While Bangladesh’s relations with India, traditionally its closest regional partner, remain strained due to political and strategic differences, Dhaka has quietly explored new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.

In January, Pakistan and Bangladesh took a step towards deepening defense cooperation when a high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters, with discussions also covering the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

Earlier, in February, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in various sectors.

In August 2025, the two countries also signed several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and culture, marking an important step in efforts to restore relations after years of strained relations.