Dhaka and Islamabad made some great strides as they vowed to rewrite a new chapter in their bilateralism by burying the hatchet. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s landmark visit to Bangladesh, the first high-profile interaction in almost 13 years, was a success as he reached out to all shades of political opinion, and at the same time laid a roadmap of renewed cooperation by signing six MoUs in the realms of trade and commerce, visa liberalisation, travel, cultural and educational exchanges.
The one-on-one meetings with the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP and the students-led NCP was an articulate move to reassure all sections of society that Pakistan means business, and is not interested in carrying the baggage of hate and otherness of history. The forthcoming response, likewise, from the political intelligentsia was a shot in the arm and hinted at the dawn of a new era between the two countries that stood truncated at the hands of myopic politics.
Pakistan made a startling leap forward as it touch-based on issues that are of pivotal interest – forming a joint working group on trade and a cultural exchange programme; launching Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, which will go on to offer 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students over the next five years, as well as a special allocation in medicine; and training programmes for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants and scholarships under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme. The intention is to amalgamate both societies in a common module, and to do away with the strong feelings of yesteryears that have bred divisions, especially under the regime of Awami League.
It is unfortunate, nonetheless, that authorities at the helm once again hinted at the gangrene of separation and sought a renewed apology from Pakistan. A glance at the timeline of diplomatic ties after 1973 confirms that Islamabad had twice apologised, and efforts were henceforth made to address the stranded Biharis’ issue too. That should put to rest the misgivings, as Pakistan is eager for a reset in all sincerity. The onus is on the Bangladeshis to look forward and embrace a cordial and passionate Pakistan.
