The month of August has proven to be consequential for Pakistan’s foreign relations in recent years. In retrospect back in August 2021, we witnessed how the fall of Kabul to the Afghan Taliban changed the dynamics of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, much to the detriment of the latter.

The change in leadership in Bangladesh has set the tone for a promising reset in ties between Islamabad and Dhaka.

Three years later, in August 2024, another significant development took center stage in the context of South Asian politics: the demise of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule in Bangladesh. While this could also prove to be consequential for Pakistan’s foreign relations, however, this may not be to the detriment of the country.

On 5th August 2024, succumbing to weeks of protests that engulfed nearly the whole of Bangladesh and claimed the lives of at least 280 people, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to neighboring India. During her 15 years in the office, the relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan remained strained due to a number of factors. One of the key factors, in this regard, is related to the politics of the Awami League which is doing a brand of politics that can be characterized as anti-Pakistan and simultaneously pro-India.

This brand of politics is entrenched deeply in the bitterness of history shaped by the tragic events that led to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 after a military intervention by India. This bitter history is not only shaping the Awami League’s domestic politics but also its foreign policy outlook, particularly its relations with Pakistan.

The strained relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh during the two stints of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Shiekh Hasina, who is also presiding the Awami League since the 1980s, bears testimony to said fact. To provide an overview, there has been no top government-level visit between the two countries since 2012. Direct flights between the two have also remained suspended since 2018.

Besides, under Hasina’s rule, Bangladesh has, time and again, aligned itself with India in regional politics to the detriment of Pakistan. An illustrating example of this was the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2016. The summit was derailed following India’s decision to withdraw from the summit along with Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Bhutan.

The new government in Bangladesh has shown interest in acquiring Pakistan’s advanced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

However, the recent change of leadership in Dhaka has raised new hope for resetting ties between the two nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already expressed his willingness to collaborate with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is now the interim ruler of Bangladesh.

Already there have been several encouraging developments that indicate that a reset is underway. For instance, on January 15, 2025, a high-level military delegation led by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, Lt-Gen S M Qamr-ul-Hassan, paid an important and rare visit to Islamabad in years.

The delegation met with Pakistan’s top military leadership, including the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir. During the meetings, both sides affirmed to strengthening of defense and strategic ties between the two countries. Also, during the meetings, the Bangladeshi delegation has shown a keen interest in acquiring Pakistan’s advanced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

In addition, to facilitate people-to-people ties and trade between the two nations, in November 2024, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh announced that free visas under business categories for Bangladeshis would be processed within two days. Bangladesh, on its part, has abolished a special security desk at Dhaka airport that was previously set up to scrutinize only Pakistani passengers. Moreover, it has waived the requirement for physical inspection of consignments from Pakistan and welcomed the first direct cargo ship from Pakistan docking at Chittagong Port.

Pakistan has introduced free business visas for Bangladeshis, while Dhaka has removed security scrutiny for Pakistani passengers.

It is worth asking where this reset in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations leaves India. India appears to be at a disadvantage in this evolving dynamic. The once-warm relations that were nurtured so carefully during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure have now taken a hit.

Growing anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh were also expressed and reflected in the recent student-led protests, which targeted local Hindus, their businesses, and places of worship. While this freeze in relations is evident, considering the two countries’ geographical proximity, it would not necessarily result in complete detachment. However, the warmth that characterized their relations under Hasina will unlikely continue.

The change in leadership in Bangladesh has set the tone for a promising reset in ties between Islamabad and Dhaka. There is, however, a need to build on this momentum and strengthen the relationship. With quite a lot in common between the two states, the avenues of cooperation should not require going the extra mile by either state.

The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government disrupted India’s previously strong influence over Bangladesh.

Cultural exchanges, joint media ventures, and youth engagement are low-hanging fruits that can easily be explored to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. To support these efforts, both countries need to take practical steps like easing access to visa services and resuming direct flights between the two countries, which are essential for strengthening further this renewed partnership.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.