Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Ruhul Alam Siddique, has emphasized the significant popularity of Pakistani drama serials in Bangladesh, noting that his wife particularly enjoys Pakistani food channels.
During a seminar organized by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) to discuss Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, Siddique stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations. He pointed out that recent geopolitical tensions and the suspension of direct shipping routes have adversely affected bilateral trade over the past two years.
Siddique also highlighted the profitability of the Dhaka-Karachi air route for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), underscoring that diplomatic relations form the foundation of connections between the countries. He announced that Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor plans to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session to further strengthen ties.
Addressing trade challenges, the High Commissioner noted that Pakistan’s reduced cotton production has impacted cotton imports. He also mentioned the frequent participation of Pakistani singers in Bangladeshi folk festivals and called for resolving visa issues that limit cultural and business exchanges.
Nadra Panjwani, Chairperson of KCFR, expressed hope for improved travel between the two countries, noting that many Bangladeshis wish to visit Pakistan but are hindered by visa restrictions in place since 2013. She advocated for simplifying visa processes and addressed misconceptions among Bangladeshis that traveling to Pakistan could affect their ability to obtain Indian visas, highlighting the need to resolve such issues to enhance bilateral travel.
