Pakistan and Bangladesh armies meet, assert that external forces cannot undermine their "brotherly" relations

In a sign of strengthening relations between Islamabad and Dhaka following the removal of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, senior military leaders from Pakistan and Bangladesh held a rare high-level meeting in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. According to the Pakistani publication Dawn, both sides agreed to enhance defense cooperation and collaborate on promoting regional peace and stability. The two militaries referred to each other as "brotherly nations," united in resisting "external influences."

The meeting focused on emerging security challenges and strengthening bilateral military ties, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing. The military leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a resilient partnership and committed to joint efforts to address regional security dynamics. "The COAS and the PSO stressed the need for a stronger defense relationship, emphasizing that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient against external influences," the ISPR statement said.

At the discussions held at Pakistan's military headquarters, the leaders reviewed joint defense initiatives, including counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence-sharing. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to fostering peace and stability in South Asia. Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Munir, highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts to enhance regional security and stability, stressing that joint initiatives would allow both nations to contribute meaningfully to regional peace through stronger defense cooperation.

Lt. Gen. Hassan, who heads Bangladesh's armed forces division, emphasized the importance of building mutual trust and deepening military ties. He praised the Pakistan Army for its "exceptional professionalism" and acknowledged the "immense sacrifices" its forces had made in combating terrorism, calling their efforts a "beacon of courage and determination." The ISPR also noted that Lt. Gen. Hassan had previously met with Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen. Mirza at the Joint Staff Headquarters.

Their talks reportedly covered mutual strategic interests and explored ways to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. "Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen military ties and reaffirmed their commitment to insulating this partnership from external disruptions," the ISPR statement added, noting that both leaders agreed on the "critical need for continued collaboration" to advance regional peace, security, and stability.

The CJCSC reiterated that both nations shared a "common vision for a secure and prosperous future," which was rooted in strong defense collaboration. Lt. Gen. Hassan's visit, viewed by Pakistani media as a significant step toward normalizing relations, follows political shifts in Bangladesh after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. This change has led to a thaw in relations between the two countries, which had been strained due to historical grievances stemming from Bangladesh's 1971 independence.

Once part of a unified state, the two nations separated following a bloody civil war, with 'East Pakistan' becoming Bangladesh. Since the split, Dhaka—particularly under Hasina's administration—maintained a strong alliance with India, distancing itself from Islamabad. However, with Hasina's removal, relations between the two capitals have improved, marked by progress in trade and bilateral cooperation. Both militaries have emphasized that their "enduring partnership" must "remain resilient against external influences" as ties between the nations continue to warm.

The report also noted that Lt. Gen. SM Kamrul Hassan, Bangladesh's Principal Staff Officer, met with Pakistan's COAS Gen. Asim Munir and CJCSC Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Tuesday to further these discussions.