BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a substantive discussion on Sunday, August 24, on the need to normalise and strengthen Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

Both sides expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in regional and international forums.

The meeting took place at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, Firoza, beginning at 6:56 pm and lasting approximately 50 minutes.

While officially a courtesy visit to inquire about her health, the talks extended to key diplomatic and regional issues, according to BNP Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, who briefed the media afterward.

Dr Zahid said Dar conveyed warm personal greetings to Khaleda Zia from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the people of Pakistan. Dar also expressed hopes for her swift recovery.

“The discussion focused on matters of mutual interest between the two countries,” Zahid said. “There was a clear emphasis on normalising bilateral relations and working together in multilateral arenas, including SAARC.”

Both leaders expressed optimism about revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, with Khaleda Zia recalling its founding principles and potential. She also expressed concern over recent floods in Pakistan, underscoring humanitarian solidarity.

While the conversation did not delve deeply into Bangladesh’s current political situation, Zahid noted that Dar acknowledged the country’s movement toward elections. “They expressed hope that Bangladesh is heading toward elections,” he said. “Our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead the BNP in this journey, and the party is moving forward under his guidance.”

The BNP leader added that both sides discussed the prospect of Bangladesh entering a more stable and positive political environment in the coming days.

This meeting marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s diplomatic re-engagement with Bangladesh following the fall of the Awami League government. It is the second time a Pakistani foreign minister has met Khaleda Zia in Dhaka – the first being Hina Rabbani Khar in 2012.

Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a special flight, beginning a two-day official visit. During his stay, he held formal talks with Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and met with leaders from major political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party (NCP), underscoring Pakistan’s broad-based outreach in the new political landscape