Pakistan, Bangladesh sign visa-free entry deal for officials; India keeps close watch
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In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to allow visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders - a move seen as a clear indication of warming relations between the two countries.
The decision, made public after a high-level meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday, is likely to be closely monitored by India due to its potential security implications.
The agreement was announced following talks between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Lieutenant General (Retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan.
In addition to the visa waiver, both sides committed to enhancing cooperation in areas such as internal security and police training.
Discussions also covered joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism, alongside plans for exchange programs between their respective police academies.
Chowdhury described his visit to Dhaka as “extremely important to promote bilateral cooperation between Dhaka and Islamabad.” He also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s offer to train Bangladeshi police officers.
Tensions between the two nations, long strained since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, appear to be softening. The recent shift comes in the wake of the formation of an interim government in Dhaka led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Known for opposing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s policies - which leaned heavily toward India - Yunus’ administration is seen as more open to engagement with Islamabad.
As part of their expanding cooperation, Pakistan has established a joint committee led by Interior Secretary Khurram Agha to strengthen ties with Dhaka. A Bangladeshi delegation is also expected to visit Pakistan soon to explore key initiatives like the Safe City Project and the National Police Academy.
The new visa-free regime raises concerns in New Delhi, where officials worry it could facilitate easier entry for operatives from Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI. Indian security experts fear this increased presence could revive Islamist extremist activity in Bangladesh, posing a threat to India’s eastern border and potentially providing support to insurgent groups in the northeastern states.
