Post by : Maya Rahman

Bangladesh is hosting Pakistan’s foreign minister and trade envoy this week. These are the highest-ranking Pakistani visitors in many years. The visit aims to improve relations between the two countries. Bangladesh and Pakistan have a long history of tension because of the violent 1971 war.

Memories of the 1971 War

Many Bangladeshis still remember the 1971 war, when East Pakistan became Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed, and many more were affected. Some Bangladeshi estimates say millions died. Pakistan’s military was accused of committing serious crimes during the war.

Ahmed, a 79-year-old banker, said, “The brutality was unbounded.” He lost six friends in the conflict. He believes it is possible to improve relations with Pakistan, but only with people not directly involved in the war crimes.

Limited Contact for Years

For decades, contact between Bangladesh and Pakistan was minimal. The countries mainly shared cultural interests like cricket, music, and clothing materials, such as cotton for shalwar kameez. Bangladesh relied heavily on India, which surrounds most of its land, for political and economic support.

Political Changes Open New Doors

A large uprising in Dhaka last year removed longtime India ally Sheikh Hasina from power. This has strained Bangladesh’s relationship with India and created opportunities for closer contact with Pakistan. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Dhaka on Thursday, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected on Saturday.

Regional Implications

Analysts are watching closely. India recently fought a short conflict with Pakistan in May, so any closer ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan are being noted carefully. Michael Kugelman, a US-based analyst, said Bangladesh was India’s close partner, but now it seems to be “flirting” with India’s main adversary.

Trade Relations Growing

The last visit of a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka was in 2012. Recently, Pakistan and Bangladesh began sea trade and expanded government-to-government commerce in February. International relations expert Azeem Khalid said this new cooperation could reduce India’s influence and strengthen a Pakistan-Bangladesh partnership, potentially reshaping South Asia’s economy and politics.

Interim Government’s Role

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, is angry that Sheikh Hasina fled to India. Yunus’s government has held high-level meetings with Pakistan, expanded trade, relaxed visa rules, and even allowed some limited military cooperation.

Challenges of Reconciliation

Despite new talks, old wounds remain. Many in Bangladesh want Pakistan to apologize for the killings in 1971, but experts say this is unlikely. Qamar Cheema, a foreign policy expert in Islamabad, said Pakistan is unlikely to provide an apology, and Bangladesh must avoid historical issues if it wants to improve ties.

Dhaka’s foreign affairs adviser, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, said that “all issues will be on the table” during talks with Pakistan. Bangladesh courts have sentenced some people for “genocide” related to the 1971 war. Anthropologist Sayeed Ferdous said the relationship cannot be strong as long as the wounds remain open.

Mixed Opinions in Bangladesh

Some Bangladeshis are cautious. Academic Meghna Guhathakurta, who lost her father in the war, said she cannot accept warmer relations with Pakistan before Pakistan meets certain conditions. She wants Pakistan to make all war-related information public.

At the same time, she agrees that trade with Pakistan is natural and sees the larger geopolitical context. Trade and political strategy are important for Bangladesh, especially as elections are scheduled for February.

Future Uncertain

Relations may change again after the next election. If a new government in Bangladesh is willing to improve ties with India, and India reciprocates, the recent surge in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties could be reduced. Michael Kugelman noted that future politics will affect which relationships take priority.

A Complex Road Ahead

Improving relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan is not simple. The history of the 1971 war continues to influence politics, society, and personal memories. While trade and diplomatic talks are steps forward, many in Bangladesh feel the past must be addressed to build a sustainable relationship.