Bangladesh and Pakistan Set to Sign Visa-Free Agreement for Officials

Bangladesh Moves Towards Visa-Free Travel with Pakistan

Dhaka: On Thursday, Bangladesh announced its intention to establish a visa-free agreement with Pakistan, enabling government officials and diplomats from both nations to travel freely for a duration of five years.

The Pakistani government has already given its approval for this initiative.

This announcement precedes the upcoming visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh on Saturday, following the arrival of Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan in Dhaka on Wednesday, where he met with Bangladesh's Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin.

Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, confirmed during a media briefing that the agreement will facilitate visa-free travel for officials and diplomats.

Alam described the agreement as a standard procedure, noting that Bangladesh has similar arrangements with 30 other countries.

The Advisory Council, which functions as the cabinet, granted its final approval for the agreement on Thursday.

During the visit of the Pakistani ministers, the two nations are expected to sign five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), as reported by diplomatic sources in Islamabad.

These MoUs aim to enhance bilateral relations in trade, culture, media, training, and travel through the visa-free travel arrangement.

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in bilateral trade, with the trade volume reaching $865 million in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Bangladesh's exports to Pakistan rose to $78 million, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, while Pakistan's exports to Bangladesh surged by 28%.

Historically, relations between Dhaka and Islamabad have been strained, particularly during Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, especially after the trials of individuals involved in the 1971 Liberation War began in 2010. The last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka occurred in 2012.

However, ties have improved since the establishment of Yunus's interim government last year, following Hasina's departure from the country amid protests on August 5.

In July, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Dhaka after a 15-year hiatus in bilateral foreign secretary-level consultations.

In recent months, both countries have initiated direct shipping, relaxed visa and trade regulations, and are preparing to launch direct flights. Fly Jinnah has received approval from Bangladesh, while Air Sial has applied for similar permissions.

Biman Bangladesh is also expected to seek approval to operate flights between the two nations.

Earlier this year, a Pakistani business delegation led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited Dhaka for the first time in 12 years.