Islamabad (Khyber Mail) The upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, set to take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, is generating significant excitement in Bangladesh.
This sentiment was echoed by international relations experts during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on the theme “Post Hasina Wajid Bangladesh.”
- Experts Weigh In
Professor Saber Chaudhry of Dhaka University and Professor Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University highlighted the mutual goodwill and desire for enhanced cooperation between the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh. They expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future under Dr. Yunus’ leadership, citing potential for political stability, economic growth, and balanced foreign relations. However, they acknowledged challenges posed by the country’s highly politicized institutions.
- Economic Cooperation and Regional Stability
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, emphasized the importance of building on existing economic cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties. He underscored the need for both nations to work together for regional betterment, particularly through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Ambassador Saleem recalled the aspirations shared by SAARC Secretary General Mohd Golam Sarvar during his recent visit to Pakistan.
- Cautious Optimism
Dr. Syed Riffat Hussain, a renowned international relations expert, urged caution, noting that the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving. He pointed out that Sheikh Hasina’s legacy could pose challenges to the interim government’s reform process.
- Strengthening Ties
Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqi, Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia-Pacific) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared his experiences as a former High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He emphasized the deep affection for Pakistan among ordinary Bangladeshis and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
- Future Cooperation
Professor Shahab Enam Khan identified potential areas for greater cooperation, including tourism, academic exchanges, and business interactions. Ambassador Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted the interim government’s backing from major political parties for comprehensive reforms and dismissed concerns about continued ethnic or communal violence as misinformation.
- Youth Involvement
Professor Saber Ahmed Chowdhry stressed the importance of involving the youth in the reform process, particularly in key sectors such as the police, judiciary, and election commission. He attributed student-led protests to years of marginalization and widespread corruption.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including diplomats, researchers, academics, and students from universities across Islamabad, reflecting the broad interest in the future of Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.