Bangladesh-Pakistan relations: Concerns over Yunus’s pro-Islamabad policy

Special Reporter

Under the leadership of the Yunus government, the country is on the path of strengthening economic and military relations with Pakistan. This policy has created concern among a large section of the public, especially considering the historical context of the liberation war of 1971. Two foreign ministry statements in the last 24 hours indicate the depth of the relationship, which has sparked social and political debates.

An 8-member delegation of the Pakistan Armed Forces led by Chairman of the Joint Chief Chiefs of Officers Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday morning. The purpose of the visit is to discuss training and cooperation with Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force.

However, an exiled Bangladeshi army general, who did not want to be named, said, “I don’t understand what we will gain from this visit.” Pakistan’s armed forces are under the influence of China and considering their economic status, they cannot give us anything for free. This can cause instability in our forces. ”

He also warned that training of Bangladeshi troops at the hands of Pakistani trainers could be a “disaster” for peace and security in the region.

He mentioned that Pakistan’s geography is completely different from that of Bangladesh, so their training will not be very effective for our army.

The Joint Economic Commission, which has been dormant for two decades, will resume in Dhaka on October 27 after a meeting between Pakistan Ambassador Imran Haider and Bangladesh Foreign Adviser MD Towhid Hossain. The initiative is aimed at expanding trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Earlier in August, during the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka, the two countries signed a visa-free travel agreement for official and diplomatic passport holders. In addition, Pakistan has pledged 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students and special training for civil servants, of which 25 percent is earmarked for medical education.

The progress in this relationship has created anxiety among ordinary Bangladeshis. The memory of the atrocities of the Pakistani army during the War of Liberation is still fresh in the minds of the people.

Expelled freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman said, “As Bengalis, we cannot forget the atrocities of Pakistan. No relationship with them can be reopened. ”

However, some political groups, such as Jamaat-e-Islami and a section of the BNP, are campaigning for the relationship, which is based on anti-India sentiments.

Experts believe that economic relations with Pakistan are not very beneficial for Bangladesh.

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel said Pakistan’s exports to bilateral trade are about $778 million, while Bangladesh’s exports are negligible. The scope of trade is limited, and the Karachi-Chittagong sea route is not economically viable. ”

He also said that the Pakistani scholarship program is not attractive to Bangladeshi students as the Pakistani seal on their passports can make it difficult to get visas in western countries.

Meanwhile, the decision to cancel physical inspections of goods imported from Pakistan has raised concerns among various Indian security agencies. Bangladesh, which shares a border with India, is different from Pakistan’s and there are fears that the relationship could be used for anti-India purposes.

A top businessman in the country said, “Pakistan itself is in the grip of an economic crisis. How are they going to help us?”

Bangladesh’s economy, once one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies, is now facing challenges of industrial closures, deteriorating law and order and declining foreign investment.

Shahab Enam Khan, executive director of the Bangladesh Centre for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said, “Pakistan can be an option for trade diversification, but I am not sure about defence cooperation. Pakistan will probably wait for a stable government. ”

Dr Yunus’s pro-Pakistan policy is a reflection of his cost-profit analysis, but it is at odds with the aspirations of the common man. Considering the history of the Liberation War and the sensitivity of the people, questions are being raised about the future of this relationship. The expectations of ordinary Bangladeshis are peace, stability and economic prosperity, which will be achieved through this new diplomatic shift, which is still uncertain.