Pakistan stands with 'people of Bangladesh'

FO expresses hope for BD's swift return to peace and stability

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Wednesday expressed support with the people of Bangladesh as the country grapples with political turmoil following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister.

The statement comes as a caretaker government is expected to be formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after student protest leaders asked him to do so.

"The government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, sincerely hoping for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

"We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future," it added.

The relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been strained for years, particularly during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

The execution of opposition leaders under her regime worsened relations, impacting regional cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Bangladesh, aligning with India, boycotted the SAARC summit in 2016, preventing the meeting from taking place since then.

With the recent political shift in Bangladesh, there is speculation about potential changes in diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan stood with the people of Bangladesh and appreciated their determination and resilience in standing up against the previous regime marred by corruption.

To a question, he said the problem in Bangladesh was not the economic conditions but division, hatred and the quota system.

He expressed hope that normalcy would return to Bangladesh and its journey towards prosperity would continue.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government after the violent student-led uprising that ousted Hasina.

The protests, triggered by dissatisfaction over public sector job quotas, led to significant unrest, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300 people and injuries to thousands.

The recent developments offer an opportunity for improved relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, potentially enhancing regional cooperation and stability.