ISLAMABAD:
A senior Bangladeshi military officer is on a rare visit to Pakistan and visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to hold meetings with Pakistani military leaders.
Lieutenant General SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, who is the second in command, is the first senior general of Bangladesh to have traveled to Islamabad in many years.
The visit by Lieutenant General Hassan, accompanied by senior army officers, highlights the change in bilateral relations between the two countries since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August last year as a result of violent protests.
The relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained stagnant during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, who repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s peace overtures. But since his ouster from power, there has been a visible improvement in ties between the two countries.
Both sides have intensified their contacts and several meetings have been held at the leadership level in recent months to restore the relationship. The visit of the Bangladesh army delegation led by a senior general is seen as yet another indication of a warm relationship between the two countries.
The Bangladeshi general held separate meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, according to the media wing of the army.
“During the meeting between the Army Chief and Lieutenant General Hassan, extensive discussions were held on the evolving security dynamics in the region and avenues for enhancing bilateral military cooperation were further explored.”
Both generals, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stressed the importance of a “stronger defense relationship”, stressing that the enduring partnership between the two sister nations must remain “resistant to external influences”.
The army chief reiterated the importance of “joint efforts” to promote “peace and stability” in South Asia and the broader region, while ensuring that both nations continue to contribute to regional security through initiatives collaborative defense.
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Hassan along with his delegation held a detailed meeting with CJCSC General Mirza at the Joint Staff Headquarters (JSHQ). Their discussions focused on issues of “mutual strategic interest” and explored avenues to enhance bilateral defense cooperation.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening military ties and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting this partnership from any external disruption. General Mirza and Lt. General Hassan agreed on the “critical need” for continued collaboration to promote regional “peace, security and stability.”
The CJCSC reiterated that both countries shared a “common vision” for a secure and prosperous future, supported by strong defense cooperation. Lieutenant General Hassan praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and expressed deep admiration for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, acknowledging the resilience and dedication shown by the forces.
