Islamabad:
In an important step towards the strengthening of bilateral links, Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed in principle to authorize entry without visa for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
The breakthrough was carried out at a high-level meeting between the Minister of the Interior, Mohin Naqvi and the General Minister of Bangladesh, the lieutenant-general (RETD) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka on Wednesday. Naqvi, who is also at the head of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is in Dacca to attend the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
On the sidelines, he had talks with his Bangladais counterpart as part of the ongoing efforts of the two parties to reset their links.
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced a positive turnaround since the eviction of the Sheikh Hasina Wajid government in August 2023.
After the end of the 15 -year -old Awami League rule, Pakistan and Bangladesh intensified efforts to restore their bilateral links.
There was an increase in bilateral exchanges between both sides. Naqvi’s visit was the latest example of these increased interactions.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also supposed to visit Dhaka at the end of April, but tensions between Pakistan and India resulted in the historic journey.
The decision of the two parties to authorize the free visa entry to those who have diplomatic and official passports are considered an important step.
During the Hasina government, the Pakistani diplomat had to face an increase in control and surveillance. Pakistani exports to Dacca were also faced with non -tariff barriers. But these restrictions were lifted by the interim government of Bangladesh.
A press release published here by the Interior Ministry said that the Interior Minister Bangladais extended a warm welcome to his Pakistani counterpart, who received an honorary guard when he arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Describing the visit as “of great importance for the strengthening of bilateral relations”, Chowdhury thanked Minister Naqvi for having offered training possibilities for Bangladais police.
During talks, the two parties agreed to improve cooperation in internal security, police training, counter-nurses, anti-human trafficking and efforts to combat terrorism. Exchange programs between police academies in the two countries have also been discussed.
It was decided to establish a joint committee to further increase bilateral cooperation, which will be led by the federal secretary of Pakistan inside, Khurram Agha. In addition, a high -level Bangladais delegation will soon go to the Islamabad National Police Academy.
The meeting was followed by the Minister of State of Bangladesh for internal affairs Khuda Bakhsh, the interior secretary Nasim al-Ghani, the additional division of security secretary Shamim Khan, the accusation of Pakistan, the affairs Muhammad Wasif, the political advisor Kamran Dehingal and other senior officials.
