Ishaq Dar, Bangladesh counterpart discuss boosting bilateral ties in first phone call

A new era of cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh appears to be underway following a recent shift in Bangladeshi politics. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with newly appointed Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rehman on Sunday, signaling a desire to strengthen ties between the two nations.

A Changing Political Landscape in Bangladesh

The conversation between the two foreign ministers follows a landslide victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in parliamentary elections last week. This win came 18 months after protests led to the removal of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister. The BNP secured over two-thirds of parliamentary seats, with Jamaat-e-Islami finishing second.

Resetting Relations

The rapprochement between Pakistan and Bangladesh gained momentum in August 2025, when several agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, diplomacy, media, education, and cultural exchanges. This marked a significant step toward improving relations that had been strained for years.

Did You Know? Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, the newly appointed Bangladeshi Foreign Minister, is an experienced diplomat and former UN official with degrees from universities in Dhaka and the United States.

During their telephone conversation, Dar congratulated Dr. Rehman on his appointment. Both ministers expressed a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, and agreed to expand cooperation in various sectors and within multilateral forums.

What Might Come Next

With the BNP now in power and expressing a desire for a “forward-looking relationship” with Pakistan, further agreements and increased diplomatic engagement are possible. Analysts expect that the focus will be on building a partnership beneficial to both countries. Continued dialogue and collaboration in areas like trade and cultural exchange could be prioritized.

Expert Insight: The shift in government in Bangladesh presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing issues and build a more constructive relationship between Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A focus on mutual economic benefits and regional stability could be key to sustaining this positive momentum.

Tarique Rahman, the political heir who led the BNP to victory, has already named a 50-member cabinet, with Dr. Khalil ur Rahman appointed as Foreign Minister. Dr. Rahman previously held the security portfolio in the caretaker government and played a role in mediating trade talks with the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the recent conversation between the Pakistani and Bangladeshi Foreign Ministers?

The conversation occurred following the appointment of Dr. Khalilur Rehman as Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, after the BNP’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections.

What areas of cooperation were discussed?

The ministers agreed to expand cooperation across diverse sectors and in multilateral forums, aiming for a “forward-looking partnership.”

What was the outcome of the Bangladeshi election?

The centre-right BNP achieved a landslide victory in parliament, securing over two-thirds of the seats, following the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power.

How might this new relationship impact regional dynamics in South Asia?