Amid the changed geopolitical landscape since the exit of Sheikh Hasina, Dhaka and Islamabad have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 war that led to the formation of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, an independent nation, was formed, ending Pakistan’s control over it.
Meanwhile, the trade between the two nations began with the first government-approved cargo departing from Pakistan’s Port Qasim, media reports said.
This marks a historic step in bilateral trade relations, as Bangladesh has agreed to purchase 50,000 tonnes of Pakistani rice through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), reported The Express Tribune.
The rice shipment will be delivered in two phases, with the first 25,000-tonne consignment now en route to Bangladesh, the newspaper reported.
The second batch is likely to depart in early March.
Economic Ties
This trade deal is expected to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and facilitate direct shipping routes, The Express Tribune reported.
The agreement was reached earlier this month.
For the first time, a Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) vessel carrying government cargo will dock at a Bangladeshi port, marking a significant milestone in maritime trade relations, the Pakistani newspaper reported.
The development is a major step in the bilateral bond between the two countries with trade channels remaining dormant for decades.
The development occurred just months after an interim government under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus came to power in August last year following the toppling of former PM Sheikh Hasin’s regime.
She fled to India amid severe violent protests against her regime over a job quota issue.
The relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan has improved under the tenure of the interim government which is wiping out the legacy of Hasina’s rule and the nation’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
India And Bangladesh’s Liberation
India marks Vijay Diwas on December 16 every year when the Pakistan military surrendered to Indian forces leading to the formation of Bangladesh.
India-Bangladesh bond, however, touched a low point in recent times since the interim government came to power in the South Asian nation.
Anti-India sentiments ran high in Bangladesh amid attacks on Hindu minorities since the ouster of Hasina strained the New Delhi- Dhaka relationship.
(With inputs from Reuters)
