LAHORE: In a move aimed at strengthening trade relations and improving diplomatic ties with Pakistan, the interim government of Bangladesh has made the visa process for Pakistani citizens easier. This decision reflects a commitment to enhancing economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

As part of these changes, the Bangladesh government has removed the requirement for clearance from Dhaka for Pakistani heads of missions when issuing visas. This step is expected to smoothen the process for Pakistani diplomats and strengthen bilateral ties.

Iqbal Hussain, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, emphasized that increasing trade and investment between the two nations should be a top priority for the future. He highlighted that there remains significant untapped trade potential between Bangladesh and Pakistan, and Pakistan has the opportunity to take full advantage of it.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad shared trade information, stating that the total trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh reached USD718 million in 2023-24. Pakistan exported USD661 million worth of goods and imported USD57 million from Bangladesh. From July to November 2024, exports increased to USD314 million, while imports were USD31 million. Shad set a goal to grow trade between the two countries to USD2 billion, focusing on sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, rice, and sports goods.

The High Commissioner and LCCI President both agreed that building business-to-business connections is key to expanding trade relations. The LCCI promised to fully support efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Hussain further expressed that the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, is eager to improve relations with Pakistan and ensure long-term cooperation. He also stressed the importance of reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote regional trade and collaboration among neighboring countries.

The High Commissioner underscored that both Bangladesh and Pakistan have a responsibility to eliminate barriers to mutual trade and cooperation. By creating opportunities for the current generation, the two countries can work together to foster peace and prosperity in the region.

However, relations between Bangladesh and India have become more strained following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August of the previous year. Currently, Hasina is in India, and there have been concerns raised by India regarding attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly targeting the Hindu community.

India has raised alarm over the growing number of violent attacks targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. The country has expressed deep concern regarding these incidents, highlighting the need for immediate attention and action to ensure the safety and security of the Hindu community in the region. Protests erupted following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was accused of sedition. The arrest sparked further controversy when two of his associates were also detained, raising tensions between the two nations.