New Delhi: In a diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to enhance defense cooperation. Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, a Bangladeshi military official, recently visited Pakistan and engaged in talks with Retired Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali, Pakistan’s Defense Secretary, in Rawalpindi where they discussed defense issues between both countries. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and Bangladesh have had difficult relations in history albeit there have been improvements between the two nations recently, especially after Sheikh Hasina was dethroned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

While in power President Yunus had put in efforts towards including Pakistan in the equation and since then Bangladesh has been making attempts in this regard such as increasing defense ties.

According to Express Tribune Pakistani news site, Pakistan’s Defense Secretary Muhammad Ali has claimed that Islamabad attaches considerable importance to its relations with Bangladesh. A Bangladeshi military official also expressed optimism about assistance between the two countries. Pakistan also hosted a visit of its senior Bangladeshi General for the first time in a long time, Lt Gen Kamrul is scheduled to visit Pakistan on tuesday.

It is noted that in the years gone by, military officers from Bangladesh rarely made it to Pakistan. General Kamrul Hassan’s visit to the Pakistan Army HQ in Rawalpindi and meeting with Army Chief General Asim Munir was a significant exception.

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In the last few months, the relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have bettered and the recent trip by Kamalul Hasan has been viewed as another attempt to strengthen the relations. As soon as Michael Yunus took office in Bangladesh, both states started to develop their diplomatic and military relations. They have been having regular contacts with a purpose of addressing regional security, strengthening military contacts and enhancing defence relations.

The political dynamics in the region changed dramatically after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Pakistan has problems on its border with Afghanistan; similarly, Bangladesh has problems on the border with Myanmar. There has been unrest in Myanmar which has aggravated the situation along the border with Bangladesh Nexus aidstation.

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India remains vigilant with regards to the ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both nations are significant neighborhood for India, with Bangladesh having supported India for many years as an allied nation. However, if Bangladesh were to cultivate closer relations with Pakistan, it would be an issue of concern to New Delhi, especially with regard to her northeastern boundaries.