DPM Dar, Bangladesh chief adviser Yunus discuss trade, regional cooperation

DHAKA (Dunya News) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday during his visit to Dhaka.

The Foreign Office described Dar’s two-day visit—the first by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in 13 years—as a “significant milestone” in bilateral relations.

According to a statement posted on X by the Foreign Office, Dar briefed Yunus on developments during his trip, and the two leaders discussed “recent developments in the region and the prospects of regional cooperation.”

“The discussions focused on reviving longstanding connections, promoting youth engagement, improving connectivity, and enhancing trade and economic cooperation,” the Foreign Office added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister , Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, called on H. E. Professor Muhammad Yunus @ChiefAdviserGoB, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh in Dhaka, today. The discussion covered revival of old connections between the two countries, promoting… pic.twitter.com/2pR6G5q2MO

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2025

Pakistan, Bangladesh sign six key agreements

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar met Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser during his visit to Dhaka, reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, while six agreements were signed between the two countries.

According to the Foreign Office, both sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level contacts, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people links, cultural exchanges, education, capacity building, and humanitarian issues.

They also discussed regional and international matters such as the revival of SAARC, the Palestine issue, and the Rohingya crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, held wide-ranging talks with the Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh, H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain in Dhaka. Both sides reviewed entire gamut of bilateral relations, including high level exchanges , trade… pic.twitter.com/nqELdHhbjU

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2025

The Pakistani delegation was led by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while the Bangladeshi side was headed by Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Touhid Hossain. Senior officials from both countries participated in the talks, which covered bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, regional challenges, and strengthening collaboration under SAARC.

Later, under the supervision of Dar and Hossain, important agreements and MoUs were signed. In total, six accords were concluded, including:

• Abolishing visa requirements for diplomats and government officials,
• MoU between the foreign service academies of both countries,
• Agreement between APP (Associated Press of Pakistan) and BSS (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha),
• MoU between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies,
• MoU during the Joint Working Group on Trade,
• Cultural exchange programme (2025–2028).

Following delegation level talks in Dhaka today, the DPM/FM @MIshaqDar50 and Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh oversaw signing of six instruments between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their list includes Agreement between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Visa Abolition for Diplomatic and… pic.twitter.com/jFzKj00s6G

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 24, 2025

Earlier, Dar held detailed discussions on trade, investment, and economic cooperation during his Dhaka visit. He also attended a key business meeting with Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, joined by Pakistan’s Commerce Minister.

Senior Bangladeshi officials present included the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Chairman of the Trading Corporation, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Acting Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, Commerce and Aviation Secretaries, and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue.

Dar arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday, marking the most high-profile visit by a Pakistani official to Dhaka in recent years. His trip signals a significant thaw in relations between the two nations, coming amid renewed efforts to strengthen bilateral ties following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

His visit follows months of intensified engagement between the two South Asian neighbours. Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal was in Dhaka to discuss trade and agricultural cooperation. In April, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led the first bilateral consultations with Bangladesh in 15 years.

Also read: DPM Dar expresses desire to strengthen ties with Bangladesh

Representing Bangladesh were top economic and regulatory figures, including the governor of the central bank, the executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, and the heads of the Bangladesh Trading Corporation and the Civil Aviation Authority. Pakistan noted that senior officials from Bangladesh’s commerce and aviation ministries, as well as the chairman of the National Board of Revenue, also took part.

Meanwhile, the adviser will also host a lunch in honour of Pakistan delegation.

Shortly after his arrival on Saturday, Dar met with leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), a student-led political movement that played a central role in the protests that led to Hasina’s removal from power.

During his two-day visit, Dar is also scheduled to meet Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and other senior officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. Discussions are expected to center on strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to forge a cooperative and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh.