Dhaka lauds Islamabad for easing MidEast conflict

South Asia’s long-stalled regional cooperation platform is back in diplomatic conversation, with Bangladesh and Pakistan emphasising that dialogue, not division, remains the only workable path forward for the region.

At a ministerial panel during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye on Saturday, senior leaders from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan converged on a shared message: South Asia’s future depends on reviving cooperation, rebuilding trust and reactivating regional mechanisms like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman highlighted the historical roots of SAARC, recalling the foundational role played by Ziaur Rahman in proposing the idea of a regional bloc.

That legacy, he suggested, carries renewed relevance as geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation continue to challenge South Asia.

“Reviving SAARC is a major foreign policy objective of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” the foreign minister said, underlining Dhaka’s intention to bring the grouping back to life after years of inactivity.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghan Transport Minister Azizi joined the discussion, where participants agreed that the region holds “immense possibilities” for economic and political cooperation – if longstanding barriers can be addressed through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Rather than revisiting past disagreements, speakers stressed the urgency of creating new spaces for dialogue.

Alongside the panel, bilateral diplomacy also gathered momentum.

On the sidelines of the forum, Khalilur Rahman held a meeting with Ishaq Dar, where the two leaders discussed both regional cooperation and broader geopolitical developments, particularly the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister also appreciated Pakistan for its commendable diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the Middle East conflict to a negotiated end.

The two sides exchanged views on how regional actors can contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts.

In a statement shared on social media, Ishaq Dar described the meeting as “positive and forward-looking,” adding that both countries are keen to strengthen bilateral ties and maintain regular engagement on regional issues.

“Pleased to meet Dr. Khalilur Rahman… We discussed strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh ties and exchanged views on regional developments, including Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue,” Dar wrote, signalling Islamabad’s interest in a more active diplomatic role.

Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir was also present during the bilateral meeting, reflecting the broader policy coordination within Dhaka on regional diplomacy.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina in a massive uprising in July 2024, an interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus was formed.

That government ended its tenure following the parliamentary election held in 12 February 2026.

During the interim government the revival of SAARC came to the fore focusing its immense potential for the south Asian nations comprising of eight countries. Now the current BNP government has also been talking about the revival of SAARC.

The renewed emphasis on SAARC comes at a time when South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world, with intra-regional trade still far below its potential.

Analysts say political mistrust and bilateral disputes have long hindered the bloc’s effectiveness, but recent diplomatic signals suggest a possible shift.

What this really means is that Dhaka is trying to reposition itself as a bridge-builder in the region – pushing for cooperation without ignoring geopolitical realities.

The outreach to Islamabad, coupled with calls to revive SAARC, indicates a broader strategy aimed at reactivating multilateral engagement while strengthening bilateral ties.

Reviving SAARC will require consensus among all member states, many of whom have competing strategic interests.

But the tone emerging from Antalya suggests that at least some regional actors are willing to reopen that conversation.