Pakistani drama serials are very popular in Bangladesh, says Bangladesh High Commissioner

Pakistani dramas and cultural exchanges with Bangladesh remain strong, says Bangladeshi High Commissioner.

Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Ruhul Alam Siddique, has highlighted the immense popularity of Pakistani drama serials in Bangladesh, adding that his wife particularly enjoys watching Pakistani food channels.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) to discuss Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, Siddique emphasised the need for stronger people-to-people connections between the two countries.

He noted that recent geopolitical tensions and the suspension of direct shipping routes have affected bilateral trade activities over the past two years.

Siddique also pointed out that the Dhaka-Karachi air route remains profitable for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) but emphasised that diplomatic ties are the backbone of relations between the two nations.

He announced that Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor would meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister during the annual United Nations General Assembly session to strengthen ties further.

Additionally, the High Commissioner addressed challenges related to cotton imports, noting that Pakistan’s reduced cotton production has impacted trade. He also mentioned the frequent participation of Pakistani singers in Bangladeshi folk festivals and stressed the need to resolve visa issues that hinder greater cultural and business exchanges.

Nadra Panjwani, Chairperson of KCFR, also spoke at the event, expressing optimism about improving travel between the two countries. She noted that many Bangladeshis are eager to visit Pakistan but face visa restrictions, which have been in place since 2013. She urged for visa processes to be simplified, adding that cross-border marriages between citizens of both nations reflect the enduring ties between them.

Panjwani further mentioned that the misconception among Bangladeshis that travelling to Pakistan would prevent them from obtaining Indian visas is a major hurdle, and called for addressing this issue to improve bilateral travel.