Dhaka-Islamabad eyes on trade, defence coop
Staff Reporter :
With the growing bilateral relations, Dhaka and Islamabad are focusing on new areas of mutual cooperations including trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
The talks of cooperation came up while visiting Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday.
During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh-Pakistan relations, including growing importance of bilateral trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
Emphasising the shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries, General Mirza expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors.
He noted the vast potential for expanding trade, connectivity, and investment between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“Our two countries will support each other,” General Mirza said, adding that a two-way shipping route between Karachi and Chattogram has already begun operations, while a Dhaka-Karachi air route is expected to open within months.
Both sides also underscored the need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and Europe. They exchanged views on the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of social media by non-state actors to undermine peace and stability across various regions.
“Fake news and disinformation have flooded social media. It is being used to sow chaos. There must be a concerted global effort to combat this menace,” the Chief Adviser remarked.
National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were present during the meeting.