Abdul Khaleque Khandker

Bangladesh and Pakistan, though now two separate nations, share a deep-rooted history. In 1947, East and West Pakistan emerged as a united country, driven by the ideals of Islam and the hopes of becoming a strong Muslim state in the global community. However, the bloody division in 1971 led to the birth of Bangladesh, altering the course of relations between the two regions. Since then, the relationship has faced numerous challenges, especially under the Awami League-led government of Sheikh Hasina.

Recent political developments, as an outcome of student-led mass uprising on August 5, have brought about significant changes in Bangladesh. Under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, various reforms are being implemented. Pakistan, like many other countries, congratulated Dr. Yunus on his appointment, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressing a desire to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Pakistan`s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zehra Baloch, reaffirmed Pakistan`s commitment to maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. She stated, "There have been challenges, but when there is a shared willingness to overcome them, we can unlock the true potential of our relationship for the benefit of both nations."

A key opportunity to strengthen this bond lies in the restoration of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi/Lahore/Islamabad. A survey conducted by The Muslim Times among ordinary Bangladeshis revealed overwhelming support for the restoration of direct air links with Pakistan. Many Bangladeshis are eager to visit Pakistan, not only to reconnect with family members but also to explore cultural and economic ties.

Families divided between Bangladesh and Pakistan have long faced the difficulties of an expensive, indirect and long travel routes. A direct Dhaka-Karachi flight would ease these challenges and provide significant benefits for tourism, trade, education, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Selim Hossain, a small business owner from Dhaka, expressed his frustration: "All my uncles and cousins live in Pakistan, but the roundabout travel routes make it difficult for us to meet. A direct flight would change everything."

Similarly, Abul Kalam Azad from Ashulia shared his long-held desire to visit Pakistan with his family. "Pakistan offers numerous tourist attractions, but the long and costly travel routes have made it difficult to visit. Now that Pakistan has introduced a free visa policy for Bangladeshis, a direct flight would finally make this dream possible."

In addition to personal connections, the restoration of direct flights would enable Bangladeshis to access high-quality medical treatment in Pakistan. Many internationally accredited hospitals in Pakistan offer affordable care for chronic and complex illnesses. According to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, the visa process for Bangladeshi citizens has been streamlined, with visas issued within 48 hours of online application. This ease of travel would greatly benefit Bangladeshi patients seeking advanced medical care.

On the economic front, the restoration of direct air links would boost trade and business relations between the two nations. Pakistan has already expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in areas such as agriculture, science, and technology. Both countries, as members of international organizations like SAARC and the OIC, have the potential to play a significant role in regional development.

Cultural exchanges also stand to benefit. Pakistani literature, films, and clothing are highly popular in Bangladesh, reflecting the socio-cultural similarities between the two nations. Direct flights would facilitate greater interaction between artists, writers, and cultural figures, enriching the cultural fabric of both countries.

Trade and Business Benefits:

Bangladesh-Pakistan trade relations have shown significant potential, with Pakistan having invested substantially in Bangladesh’s leather, textile, banking, and trading sectors, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Pakistan exports items like cotton, fabrics, chemicals, dolomite, and electrical appliances to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh exports jute products, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic fibers, and some medical products to Pakistan.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, official data shows that Pakistan exported over $660 million worth of goods to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan stood at over $56 million. Although this reflects a trade deficit for Bangladesh, foreign policy advisor Md. Tauhid Hossain notes that this dependency is not inherently problematic, comparing it to Bangladesh’s similar relationships with major economies like India and China. Hossain highlighted that importing essential raw materials, such as Pakistani cotton, bolsters Bangladesh’s own export-driven industries, particularly garments, which are a key component of Bangladesh’s trade with the United States and Europe.

Bangladesh also has room to expand its market presence in Pakistan, according to Faham Abdus Salam. He suggested that having outlets for Bangladeshi brands in Pakistan and catering to the significant Bangladeshi community there would be advantageous. “There are many Bangladeshis in Pakistan,” he said. “If relations normalize, we can build upon these trade connections and explore untapped opportunities.”

The interim government’s Adviser for Finance and Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, also noted the positive economic aspects of a stronger bilateral relationship. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, agriculture, science, and technology. She highlighted the importance of Bangladesh and Pakistan working together within international organizations like SAARC and the OIC. Baloch added that camaraderie, especially among the younger generations, provides a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

People-to-people relationships are another key aspect of this partnership. Many believe that the socio-cultural similarities between the two nations, extending beyond religion, strengthen these ties. As cultural analyst Asif Munir observed, Pakistani literature, drama, films, and clothing are highly appreciated in Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the restoration of direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan is not just a logistical necessity but a vital step towards rebuilding the bonds between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It would open new doors for economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and personal connections, bringing the people of both nations closer together. As we move forward, it is clear that this air line will serve as a bridge, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between two brotherly nations.