All set for Pak-BD summit today

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and head of the Bangladesh interim government Professor Muhammad Younus are set to meet in New York on Wednesday in a major development given the strained ties between the two countries during Sheikh Hasina's term.

Officials confirmed to The Express Tribune on Tuesday that both sides agreed to the summit meeting, first in many years. The meeting between the two leaders is significant since ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina completely severed high-level exchanges with Pakistan.

Officials said the meeting would provide the two sides an opportunity to review the bilateral ties in view of the recent developments.

Pakistan has finalised the agenda for the high-profile meeting and the Prime Minister is expected to make several proposals to reset ties.

The main suggestion includes immediate lifting of visa restrictions and start of direct flights between the two countries to promote people-to-people contacts and deepen cooperation.

Also on the table is a proposal to restore bilateral mechanisms that remained dormant during the government of Sheikh Hasina. Pakistan is keen to seek the revival of the Joint Economic Commission as well as a bilateral forum for political consultations.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained standstill during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. She never reciprocated peace overtures offered by Pakistan repeatedly. Pakistani diplomats posted in Dhaka had to endure tough restrictions and round the clock surveillance during her government. Securing a meeting with government officials at the time was an uphill task, according to officials familiar with the development.

However, since her ouster from power after weeks of violent protests, contacts have been re-established between the two countries. One source told The Express Tribune that Pakistani diplomats had more meetings with Bangladeshi officials in a month and half than the entire 15-year term of Awami League.

While there is positive sentiment about Pakistan in Bangladesh, some officials caution that there still exists animosity towards Islamabad. They said Awami League may be under pressure at the movement but once the pressure on them is released they may resume the anti-Pakistan rhetoric.

Similarly, according to Pakistan's assessment, India during those years invested heavily in every field in Bangladesh. "They (Indians) have their sympathizers and people everywhere in Bangladesh," said another source suggesting that Pakistan needs to move cautiously.