Bangladesh Relaxes Visa Conditions, Calls for Economic Cooperation
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, has announced that Pakistani citizens can now apply for Bangladeshi visas online as Dhaka has eased visa conditions. He made this statement during his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The ambassador highlighted that the people of Bangladesh desire a friendly relationship with Pakistanis and emphasized the need to enhance cooperation between the two nations. He acknowledged the LCCI’s role in boosting bilateral trade.
This development follows the establishment of an interim government in Bangladesh led by Professor Muhammad Yunus after the ouster of PM Sheikh Hasina.
Last month, during the D-8 summit in Cairo, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Prof Yunus and stressed the need to boost trade in various sectors, including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical instruments, leather goods, and IT.
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for easing trade and travel conditions, such as removing the 100% physical inspection of consignments from Pakistan and abolishing the special security desk for Pakistani travelers at Dhaka Airport.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the recent positive developments in bilateral relations and agreed to further expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
In September 2024, during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, PM Shehbaz met Prof Yunus and underscored the importance of strengthening cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties.
Subsequently, the first-ever direct maritime link was established between Pakistan and Bangladesh, with a cargo vessel reaching Chittagong Port from Karachi.
In December, Bangladesh purchased 25,000 tons of high-quality sugar from Pakistan, marking a shift from its usual imports from India.
Apart from shared economic interests, both nations also face mutual concerns regarding Indian aggression.