Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan and Bangladesh are seeking to strengthen collaboration in important sectors such as education, commerce, agriculture, and energy, and top officials from both countries met in Lahore this week for a series of high-level consultations. Accordingly, Bangladesh has announced 500 new scholarships for Pakistani students, a significant step toward strengthening academic connections. Dr. Khalid Hussain, the Government of Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, declared this during a meeting with prominent Pakistani authorities, including PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Sharif.
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Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, MD Iqbal Hussain Khan, also attended the meeting. The two sides discussed prospects for collaboration not just in education but also in the economic, agricultural, and energy sectors, emphasizing the need to strengthen people-to-people contacts. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spoke on the two nations’ deep historical and cultural relations. “The love and respect Pakistanis hold for the people of Bangladesh remains strong,” he said. He emphasized that the time is right to rebuild and renew the bond between the two nations and praised Bangladesh for its rapid economic development in recent years.
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Nawaz Sharif also paid homage to Air Commodore MM Alam, a celebrated war hero shared by both nations, and recalled Bangladesh’s support during a critical chapter of Pakistan’s history following its nuclear tests. Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the significance of building a long-term, meaningful cooperation between the two countries. “Our relationship goes beyond borders. It is rooted in shared history and a generational sense of brotherhood,” she said. She praised Bangladesh’s achievements in sectors like garment manufacturing, microfinance, and women’s economic empowerment, and called for collaboration in green energy, disaster resilience, and sustainable farming. “Building stronger trade ties and encouraging direct contact between our people will pave the way for lasting peace and prosperity in the region,” she added.
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The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Dr. Khalid Hussain, expressed strong appreciation for the Sharif family’s efforts in promoting regional harmony. Dr. Hussain said their contributions to Pakistan’s development “will be remembered in golden letters” and noted his admiration for Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s desire to strengthen cooperation at all levels, especially through educational exchanges. High Commissioner MD Iqbal Hussain Khan described Nawaz Sharif as a revered figure in Bangladesh. “He is remembered fondly by many in our country,” the envoy said, adding that the youth of Bangladesh still hold deep respect for the veteran Pakistani leader.
In an earlier meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif hosted the Bangladeshi High Commissioner for a bilateral discussion focused on expanding partnerships in trade, agriculture, industrial development, and gender inclusion. Calling Pakistan and Bangladesh “branches of the same tree,” Maryam Nawaz said Punjab was eager to launch collaborative programs with Bangladesh in areas such as women-led industrial clusters and digital skills training. She highlighted a recent achievement under a January 2025 agreement that saw Punjab export 50,000 tonnes of high-quality rice to Bangladesh. She also mentioned potential prospects for collaboration in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, citing Punjab’s access to globally recognized laboratories and economical surgical exports.
Maryam Nawaz welcomed recent efforts by Dhaka to streamline bilateral travel and trade, such as simplifying visa processes and removing airport bottlenecks. “These measures are a sign of growing mutual trust and willingness to work together,” she said. The chief minister also welcomed the formation of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Chamber of Commerce in Lahore and Dhaka, pledging full support for Bangladeshi investors through Punjab’s One Window Business Centers. “We’re proud to take part in the upcoming Vision 2030 Women First Summit,” Maryam Nawaz concluded. “This isn’t just diplomacy—it’s a step toward building a future based on shared values, respect, and real progress,” she added
