Bangladesh is reevaluating its political, economic, and bilateral dynamics with neighboring countries following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, through widespread student-led protests. This shift has reshaped the country's political landscape and contributed to easing long-standing tensions with Pakistan.
In this context, Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Qayyum HI (M) Pakistan’s former senator, defense secretary to the Prime Minister and a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) has given an exclusive interview to Sifat Kabir, Senior Newsroom Editor (English) at Banglanews24.
Q. How does Pakistan evaluate the current socio-political Landscape of Bangladesh, particularly in the context of recent political developments and upcoming elections?
Ans: We salute Bangladeshi people and particularly its youth and student who removed an authoritarian government which not only killed 300 students but also hanged dozens of religious scholars who did not agree to its ideology and ruthless application of state authority with impunity.
Q. What are your expectations from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s upcoming trip to Dhaka in February, and what specific objectives should Pakistan aim to achieve through this visit?
Ans: Bangladesh and Pakistan have deep rooted historic political and religious ties. In 1906, All India Muslim League was formed in Dhaka which later on succeeded in creation of a separate Muslim state called Pakistan. Pakistan and Bangladesh lived together for twenty four long years. Both countries are founder members of SAARC, OIC and Common Wealth of Nations. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit in February will be a goodwill visit in which all possible avenues will be explored in which both countries can cooperate for their mutual benefits.
Q. What agreements or MOUs are expected to be signed during his visit, and what benefits do you believe these will bring to both countries?
Ans: All essential agreements will be concluded which are beneficial to both countries. This may include bilateral trade, security, joint military exercises, tourism and steps needed to make SAARC more potent.
Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Qayyum HI (M)
Q. Given the historical challenges between the two nations, does Pakistan view this as an opportune time to reset and build a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh? If so, what would be the key focus areas?
Ans: Undoubtedly it is a good opportunity to reset bilateral ties forgetting bitter past fault lines which were shamelessly exploited by our neighbour, big in size with unfortunate hegemonic ambitions. India never reconciled with the existence of a strong sovereign Muslim state touching her both eastern and western borders. Our key focus should however remain economic cooperation, enhancement of our annual bilateral trade well above $2 billion, resume regular air flights, facilitate issuance of Visas for tourists, sign Free Trade Agreement and endeavor to have diplomatic consensus on burning regional and global issues.
Q. What has motivated Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements with Bangladeshi political parties, including the BNP, and how do these align with Pakistan’s broader regional strategic goals?
Ans: Pakistan like Bangladesh is a peace loving country. Our strategic goals aim at creating harmonious atmosphere in South Asia, good relations with all neighbours, all out efforts to promote economic cooperation to make our respective countries financially prosperous social welfare state.
Q. How does Pakistan perceive India’s growing Strategic influence on Bangladesh’s foreign policy, and what implications does this have for Pakistan-Bangladesh relations?
Ans: Bangladesh is a sovereign independent state which now has the courage to reject any external pressure. We hope India will refrain from the policy of subduing its neighbours. India itself is a very big country but unfortunately with the world largest crowed of hungry people. It presently faces over one dozen insurgencies and liberation movements. It therefore needs to pay attention to its internal issues of hunger and minority bashing. On one hand India aspires to become a permanent member of the UNSC but ironically on the other hand refuses to obey UN resolutions on Kashmir. It must also stop using Afghan soil to promote terrorism in Pakistan as substantiated by a recent report in the Washington Post. It must treat Muslims, Christians and Sikhs as equal citizens.
Q. In light of the complex geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, how does Pakistan intend to balance its approach to strengthening relations with Bangladesh while managing its ties with other regional players, including India and China?
Ans: India unfortunately never wishes to see Pakistan’s good relations with any South Asian country including brotherly Muslim state of Bangladesh which remains part of Pakistan’s heart as we have one faith, one ideology and are both victims of Indian terrorism. As far as China is concerned, it will surely appreciate our good bilateral ties as both these countries have top trading ties with China and are beneficiary of OBOR initiative also.
Q. During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, there have been notable trade relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Do you think India’s strong presence in Bangladesh has hindered Pakistan’s efforts to expand these economic ties?
Ans: During Sheikh Hasina’s time our annual mutual trade remained less than $1 billion. In 2022, Bangladesh import from Pakistan was $839 million and export to Pakistan only $74 million. It surely has huge scope for expansion.
Q. What specific initiatives does Pakistan expect from Bangladesh to foster mutual trust and deepen bilateral cooperation?
Ans: Economic cooperation enhanced parliamentary ties, resumption of flights and promotions of tourism. Bangladesh has world largest sand beach, archeological sites, historic mosques, mountains, hill forest wildlife and very hospitable people. On the other hand, out of the 14 highest mountains in the world, 8 are located in Pakistan, including K2, the second highest. Remnants of Indus Valley civilization, scenic northern areas and Kashmir, desert of Sind and 1100 KM long sea front offers many opportunities for investors and tourists.
Q. What role does Pakistan envision for SAARC and other regional platforms in narrowing differences and fostering stronger relations between Islamabad and Dhaka?
Ans: Bangladesh has never been Pakistan’s adversary. Sheikh Hasina’s attitude was though indifferent to please India. Therefore, our mutual friendship ties Allah willing be everlasting. We can both make SAARC and other regional platforms more potent for our mutual benefits.
Q. Which sectors hold the greatest potential for enhancing trade, investment and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Ans: Readymade Garments, jute and its products, Fish, Shrimps, agro products, pharmaceutical and plastic products can be imported by Pakistan from Bangladesh while rice, house linens, textile, health items, gems, steel and cement can be exported from Pakistan to Bangladesh.
Q. How does Pakistan plan to engage directly with the Bangladesh public media and cultural institutions to improve its image and foster mutual understanding between the two nations?
Ans: It is an important question. We can exchange cultural programmes, cold print and TV programmes in English, mutual talk shows can be arranged and documentaries can be exchanged.
Q. How does Pakistan address the lingering historical sensitive stemming from the events of 1971, and what steps can be taken to ensure a forward-looking approach in bilateral relations?
Ans: People responsible for wrong policies, weak governance and conspiracies like Agartala have all disappeared in history. There were highly exaggerated accounts of atrocities against Bengalis in the former East Pakistan while there were also reports of torture and killings of non-Bengalis by RAW under the garb of Mukti Bahni. We need to forget and forgive and move forward. All wrong doings must be condemned by both sides and apologies offered for indecent actions at the lower level. Pakistanis love Bangali brother and have no doubts that same feelings exist on the other side.
BDST: 1042 HRS, JAN 20, 2025
MSK
