Pakistan and Bangladesh agree to promote commercial, business and cultural ties

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Bangladesh Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) published in X.

According to the ministry, the two held a “detailed exchange of views on bilateral relations, regional situation and Pakistan’s reconciliatory role.” Minister Islam appreciated Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran conflict.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, business and culture. It was also agreed to increase mutual exchanges of delegations for the promotion of commercial and cultural relations.

“There are huge investment opportunities in Pakistan,” Naqvi told the meeting.

Besides, talks were also held regarding the Bangladesh minister’s visit to Pakistan.

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Secretary Muhammad Nazrul Islam, South Asia Director General Ishrat Jahan, Director Shamima Yasmin and Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider were also present on the occasion, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

The meeting comes as part of Naqvi’s two-day visit to Bangladesh and a day after he met his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed. The two signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling, narcotics trafficking and drug abuse. Both sides also agreed to boost security ties.

Read: Trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh reaches $1 billion

The formulation of a joint strategy to disrupt illegal sales and supply lines of narcotics was also agreed upon, along with the exchange of timely information by relevant agencies of both countries on drug traffickers and networks.

In addition, an agreement was reached on shared training of personnel, the use of modern technology and the establishment of a joint working group at the secretary level between the two interior ministries to boost cooperation.

This came against the backdrop of a broader recalibration of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have shown signs of gradual transformation after decades of limited engagement, particularly in the realm of defense and security.

Read more: How Pakistan is taking back Bangladesh

While Bangladesh’s relations with India, traditionally its closest regional partner, have remained tense amid political and strategic differences, Dhaka has quietly explored new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.

In January, Pakistan and Bangladesh took a step towards deepening defense cooperation when a high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters, with discussions also covering the possible acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

Earlier in February, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rehman discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in various sectors.

In August 2025, the two countries also signed several agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step in efforts to reset relations after years of strained ties.