In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan and Bangladesh have reached an in-principle agreement to grant visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic and official passports. This consensus was forged during a high-level meeting in Dhaka between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Minister Naqvi, currently on an official visit to Bangladesh, received a warm welcome from his counterpart upon arrival at the Ministry of Home Affairs, including a guard of honor, before discussions commenced. During their meeting, the two ministers engaged in extensive talks on bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on bolstering cooperation in internal security and law enforcement.
Both nations expressed a strong desire to deepen collaboration in crucial areas such as counter-terrorism, combating drug trafficking, and preventing human smuggling. A pivotal outcome of the meeting was the mutual agreement to permit visa-free travel for officials and diplomats, a move seen as a progressive step towards dismantling bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing overall bilateral engagement.
Further discussions included plans for exchanging training programs between police academies, aiming to elevate professional capabilities and technical expertise. The Bangladeshi minister conveyed his gratitude to Naqvi for offering support in police training, characterizing the visit as a momentous milestone in fostering ties between the two countries. “I wholeheartedly welcome my brother upon his arrival in Dhaka. Your visit is of great importance for the promotion of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations,” stated the Bangladeshi minister.
To ensure effective follow-up on the decisions made, both sides agreed to establish a joint committee. Pakistan’s Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha will lead the Pakistani contingent in this coordination effort, with the committee tasked to oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives and explore additional avenues for collaboration.
As part of this burgeoning partnership, a high-level delegation from Bangladesh is anticipated to visit Islamabad soon. Their visit will focus on studying Pakistan’s Safe City Project and touring the National Police Academy. This meeting, attended by senior government officials and diplomats from both nations, signifies a new chapter in efforts to build trust and cooperation between Islamabad and Dhaka, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security, institutional development, and robust diplomatic engagement.
This development follows earlier progress in April when Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrated the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and highlighted the necessity of resuming direct air links. These advancements were discussed during the 6th round of Foreign Secretary Level Consultations (FSLC) held in Dhaka on April 17. Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation. The talks, which resumed after a 15-year hiatus, were led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, conducted in a cordial atmosphere reflecting a shared resolve to revitalize bilateral engagement.
