Pakistan's Foreign Minister is expected to visit Dhaka in April, says Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain stated on Thursday that there is no reason for Bangladesh to maintain strained relations with Pakistan. He revealed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is expected to visit Dhaka in April.  

“We anticipate the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, though the exact date is yet to be finalised. However, it is unlikely to happen before April,” he told reporters during a media briefing at the foreign ministry in the afternoon.  

He mentioned that both sides are engaged in discussions regarding the visit and that further decisions will be made in due course.  

When asked whether Dhaka would bring up Pakistan’s apology for its role in 1971 and compensation for Bangladesh, Hossain acknowledged that unresolved issues persist even after 53 years. He confirmed that these matters would be addressed during discussions.  

However, he added, “If we remain fixated on these issues, neither side will benefit. While we will work to safeguard our interests, we also want to approach our relationship with Pakistan as we would with any other country, without a negative perspective.”  

Hossain stressed that Bangladesh views Pakistan as a fellow South Asian nation with shared mutual interests.  

He also highlighted the resumption of maritime connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which has brought economic benefits. “We will aim to maximise our advantages from this opportunity,” he said.  

Addressing another query, Hossain claimed that the previous Awami League-led government had deliberately strained relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which was not in the best interest of either nation.