Pakistani minister meets new Bangladeshi PM on regional cooperation

In Dhaka, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal engaged in discussions with newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh, underscoring the importance of reinvigorating bilateral ties and fostering robust regional cooperation.

Representing his country’s leadership, Iqbal conveyed warm congratulations to Rahman on his election, commending Bangladesh’s future under his stewardship. He also extended an invitation for a formal state visit at a mutually convenient time, cementing Pakistan-Bangladesh relations through official interactions.

During their meeting, both leaders focused on reviving South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiatives to enhance regional connectivity and shared economic visions in South Asia. Highlighting the need for overcoming historical conflicts that hindered integration, Iqbal proposed a “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” aimed at deepening academic, research, and technological collaborations.

Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s plans to invite the Chairman of its Higher Education Commission (HEC) to visit Bangladesh, engaging in discussions about potential twin-university partnerships and expanding student and faculty exchange programs. He also discussed opportunities with the Bangladesh National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), promoting collaborative efforts in digital governance and institutional capacity building.

Both leaders emphasized their commitment to youth engagement, sharing initiatives like a scholarship program that allocated 500 spots for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Pakistan. Rahman mentioned that 75 of these scholarships have already commenced. The ministers also discussed collaboration between institutions such as the Pakistani Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and NADRA counterparts, aligning their expertise in digital governance, data systems, and institutional capacity building.

The meeting’s agenda included exploring opportunities within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cottage industries, leveraging combined Bangladeshi-Pakistani populations to improve competitiveness in global markets. They also highlighted plans for expanding direct flights and enhancing connectivity to promote trade, tourism, business engagement, and people-to-people contact.

Iqbal proposed reviving the Iqbal Academy, suggesting joint celebrations of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary next year as a symbol of shared cultural and intellectual heritage. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity through strengthened bilateral relations.

This meeting underscores the potential for deeper collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh in promoting economic growth and fostering regional cooperation within South Asia.