Pakistan PM congratulates Tarique Rahman as Dhaka–Islamabad ties show signs of warming

The Report Desk

Published: February 13, 2026, 12:39 PM

Pakistan PM congratulates Tarique Rahman as Dhaka–Islamabad ties show signs of warming

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on what he described as a decisive election victory in Bangladesh.
In a message posted on X, Shehbaz Sharif said he looked forward to working closely with Bangladesh’s new leadership to strengthen bilateral relations. 

He said both countries share goals of peace, stability and development in South Asia and beyond.


Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have improved in recent months following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. 

Diplomatic, trade and security contacts between the two countries have increased during this period.


At the end of last month, a commercial flight operated between Dhaka and Karachi, restoring direct air travel between the two countries for the first time in 14 years. 

Earlier, Pakistan’s foreign minister visited Dhaka, marking the first such visit in 13 years.


Senior military officials from both sides have also held meetings focused on security cooperation. At the same time, bilateral trade expanded significantly, with reports showing a 27 percent increase during the 2024–25 fiscal year.


Observers say the recent developments point to a gradual reset in Bangladesh–Pakistan relations after years of limited engagement.

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