While India-Bangladesh’s bilateral ties are going through a rough patch currently, Dhaka seems to be boosting its relations with Pakistan. India’s neigbours on the east and the west have, in the recent past, held several engagements drawing attention to their increasing closeness as Dhaka undergoes a political crisis.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (January 25, 2026) spoke over the phone with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Touhid Hossain. During the call, they reviewed relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and agreed to work towards closer ties in several areas.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both the leaders held talks on a number of issues, including trade and economic cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in different sectors.
Pakistan-Bangladesh deepening their ties?
The two ministers shared their views on recent regional and global developments. The Foreign Affairs office noted that the two sides also exchanged views on current regional and international developments and underscored the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared interests and promote regional peace and prosperity.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have been trying to improve relations after years of strain under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ties on both sides have taken good turns since she was removed from office in August 2024, with visits by political and military leaders from both sides.
Hasina is currently living at an undisclosed location in India and her party Awami League will not be able to participate in the next national election, scheduled for February 12, Bangladesh’s interim government confirmed citing the suspension of the party’s activities and deregistration.
How are Pakistan-Bangladesh relations evolving
In perhaps one of the most clear signals indicating a thaw in the bilateral ties, Pakistan earlier this month granted permission to Bangladesh’s national carrier Biman Airways to operate direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi on a trial basis. The move marked a significant step in the gradual normalisation of relations between the two countries.
A few days after this, Bangladesh’s Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met Pakistan’s top military leadership. He held a series of high-level meetings with Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on January 8, 2026. Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening professional collaboration, training exchanges and defence ties.
What’s behind growing defence ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
The talks reflect Dhaka’s growing emphasis on diversifying defence partnerships and engaging with regional players on pragmatic security cooperation. Bangladesh’s Air Chief praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their contributions to regional peace and stability, the statement said.
General Munir, in turn, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering enduring defence relations with Bangladesh, signalling Islamabad’s interest in rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation with Dhaka.
What about India-Bangladesh ties?
While they remain under strain in present times, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar had visited Dhaka to attend the state funeral of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died aged 80 after a long illness last month. During the visit, Jaishankar unexpectedly met Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The brief exchange highlighted regional ties amid Bangladesh’s mourning, as both conveyed condolences to Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, BNP acting chairman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier paid tribute, recalling Zia’s role in India-Bangladesh relations.
Hasina’s flight to India after violent protests, and New Delhi’s refusal to extradite her, have strained ties with Dhaka, creating space for Pakistan and China to expand influence in India’s eastern neighbourhood.