Pakistan, Bangladesh agree on 'need' for closer cooperation for shared progress

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, have agreed on the "need for closer collaboration" to advance the progress and prosperity of both Pakistan and Bangladesh during a telephone conversation on Friday.

The chief executives of the two South Asian countries also stressed that “greater regional cooperation could play a vital role in uplifting the lives of the people of South Asia,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Premier Shehbaz congratulated Professor Yunus on his appointment as Chief Adviser and acknowledged his significant contributions to Bangladesh's socio-economic development.

He also expressed his sympathies over the recent flood devastation in Bangladesh.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as Bangladesh's interim leader on August 8, vowing to "uphold, support and protect the constitution".

He flew into the capital, Dhaka, just days after Sheikh Hasina - the woman who ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist for 15 years - fled across the border to India.

During today's call, Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of “revitalizing bilateral relations” between the two nations through enhanced cooperation across various domains.

\He emphasised the shared historical, religious, and cultural bonds and expressed a “keen desire to boost commercial relations, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.”

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for the prime minister’s call, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Ms Hasina resigned as prime minister after weeks of student-led protests - which left hundreds dead - escalated and culminated in calls for her to stand down.

The decision to name Prof Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government followed a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.

The students had been clear they would not accept a military-led government but wanted Prof Yunus to lead.

Among his new cabinet are Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, students who led the anti-government protests.