United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday highlighted the importance of revitalising all potential avenues of regional and bilateral cooperation, urging progress in bilateral trade and emphasising the role of people-to-people connections, particularly among youths. “I encourage SAARC, and I see our relationship with Pakistan and other SAARC countries as one of the highest priorities,” he said when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade, youth-to-youth exchanges, increased education and cultural exchanges and revitalizing regional cooperation through SAARC. Deputy Prime Minister Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. “Our Prime Minister sends you his best wishes,” he said. Prof Yunus warmly reciprocated, recalling past exchanges with Prime Minister Sharif,  said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Bangladesh urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 genocide, historical issues “Every time Prime Minister Sharif and I met, we spoke about SAARC. Our visions are aligned, and SAARC remains a top priority for both of us,” the Chief Adviser noted, while also extending greetings to the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan. Underscoring opportunities for collaboration and expanding trade ties, Deputy Prime Minister Dar said, “I feel our two economies are complementary. There are many areas where we can work together.” He also praised Professor Yunus’ contributions to poverty alleviation and community empowerment, saying, “Bangladesh is fortunate to have a head of government like you,  a leader who inspires the world.” The Deputy Prime Minister also held discussions with several Advisers, including those responsible for Energy and Commerce, and met representatives from various political parties. The discussion covered revival of old connections between the two countries, promoting youth linkages, enhancing connectivity, and augmenting trade and economic cooperation, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh signs one bilateral deal, 5 MoUs with Pakistan The recent developments in the region and the prospects of regional cooperation were also discussed. The DPM/FM conveyed the Prime Minister’s greetings for the Chief Adviser. He apprised the Chief Adviser of his engagements in Dhaka and the key outcomes of his visit. He also thanked the Chief Adviser for the excellent visit arrangements and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the course of visit. While acknowledging that some sensitive issues remain, Prof Yunus emphasised several areas of collaboration, including frequent cultural exchanges. “When Pakistani singers perform in Bangladesh, everyone appreciates their talent. That is the spirit we must build upon,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Dar, who is the first Pakistan foreign minister to visit Bangladesh in 13 years, shared that efforts were underway to improve connectivity including shipping and air travels. “By October, we hope Fly Jinnah will launch direct flights between our two countries. The PIA is also expected to launch direct flights to Dhaka once the airlines is privatised,” he said. Both leaders expressed optimism that enhanced trade, deepening cultural exchange and regional cooperation would contribute to a more stable and prosperous South Asia. The meeting was also attended by the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi.

Bangladesh on Sunday urged the early resolution of longstanding historical issues, including a formal official apology for the 1971 genocide committed by Pakistan, division of assets and transfer of foreign aid intended for the 1970 cyclone victims, and repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. Bangladesh emphasised that addressing these matters is crucial to establishing a solid foundation for enduring and forward-looking bilateral relations between Dhaka and Islamabad, as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is visiting Dhaka on an official trip. Talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said they raised all three unresolved issues. "We have agreed to resolve them to advance our bilateral relations further," Hossain said. Without seeking apology for 1971 genocide, Ishaq Dar, however, claimed the issues of 1971 were settled twice. "On the matter of unresolved issues, what I want to say is that the first settlement took place in 1974," he said, adding that and the document of that time is historic for both countries. "Then (former Pakistan Dictator) General Pervez Musharraf came here (to Bangladesh) and resolved the issue openly. As a result, the issue was resolved twice. Once in 1974, and again in the early 2000s," he added. Bangladesh’s three unresolved issues with Pakistan are an official apology for the 1971 Liberation War genocide, the return of due assets, and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. "The issues accumulated over 54 years cannot be solved overnight. But we have agreed to address them over the due course of time," he added. Bangladesh and Pakistan also expressed the hope that stronger bilateral relations would contribute positively to peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia and beyond. They exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern. Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of their peoples. The bilateral meeting took place in a "spirit of warmth and goodwill, reflecting the brotherly relations" between the two countries and their shared desire to augment engagement and cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Affairs Adviser emphasised the importance of deepening collaborative bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests. During the meeting, both sides engaged in a candid and constructive discussion on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest and affirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation in all potential areas including trade, investment, agriculture, education, health, energy, connectivity, people-to-people contact, culture, tourism and disaster management. Bangladesh underscored the importance of unlocking the untapped potential across all sectors, as both sides recognised the importance of regular diplomatic and sectoral engagements in this regard. The Foreign Affairs Adviser underscored the importance of enhancing economic and commercial engagement to fully leverage each other’s complementarities, and emphasised the important role of the private sectors of both countries in this regard. The two sides expressed satisfaction that significant progress has been made in simplifying visa processes, improving maritime connectivity and to resume air connectivity. Ishaq Dar informed that Pakistan is in the process of launching the 'Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor,' under which 500 scholarships will be awarded to Bangladeshi students for higher studies in Pakistan over the next five years. One-quarter of these scholarships will be awarded in the field of medicine. He also conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to provide advanced medical treatment, including limb replacement for 40 individuals including students injured during the July Uprising in Bangladesh. Referring to the eighth anniversary of the Rohingya Genocide and their forced displacement from decades of persecution, human rights violations and genocidal atrocities in their homeland, Myanmar, Bangladesh requested continued support from Pakistan in her pursuit of early safe, voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. Both sides also strongly condemned the ongoing genocidal atrocities, grave human rights violations and starvation campaign committed by the Israeli Occupying Forces against the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip and west bank and called upon the international community to act urgently to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Both sides reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation in SAARC, OIC, the United Nations, and other multilateral forums to promote the shared objectives for peace and development. Pakistan has offered to train a hockey team from Bangladesh. They also expressed hope that stronger bilateral relations would contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia and beyond. They exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest and concern. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan extended an invitation to the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh to visit Islamabad. The bilateral meeting was followed by a signing ceremony in the presence of the Foreign Affairs Adviser and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The Advisers on Home Affairs, Commerce, and Information of Bangladesh and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who is on an official visit to Bangladesh, were also present during the signing. During the visit, Bangladesh and Pakistan signed an agreement on the abolition of visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, a cultural exchange programme, and four MoUs on cooperation in trade, between news agencies, foreign service academies, and think tanks of the two countries.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday met with ailing Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman at the latter's residence. The meeting took place at 2pm, according to a press release issued by Jamaat-e-Islami. Ishaq was accompanied by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Director General (South Asia and SAARC) of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ilyas Mehmood Nizami, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider, Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Wasif, and Political Counselor Kamran Dangal, among others. During the visit, Pakistan’s FM exchanged greetings with Shafiqur, inquired about his health, and wished him a speedy recovery. On behalf of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and his own behalf, he conveyed best wishes for the good health and well-being of Dr. Rahman, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also appreciated the Ameer’s life-long positive contribution in the fields of politics, education and social welfare. The Jamaat ameer expressed his sincere gratitude to the Pakistani leader for the courtesy visit. The hour-long meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, said the press release. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Jamaat Ameer's Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan , were also present. Earlier, Bangladesh signed one bilateral agreement and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations. Pakistan's DPM arrived in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon on a two-day official visit.  

Bangladesh has signed one bilateral agreement and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain said this at a press briefing after a meeting with Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka on Sunday. The agreement is on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders of Bangladesh and Pakistan. The MoUs are the formation of a joint working group on trade between the two countries, cooperation between the Foreign Service academies of both countries, collaboration between the national news agencies of the two countries (BSS and APPPC) and cooperation between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Pakistan’s Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, cooperation on education and capacity building and humanitarian issues. Regional and international issues, including rejuvenation of SAARC and resolution of Palestine and the Rohingya issue, were also discussed. The talks took place in a ‘constructive atmosphere’, reflecting the existing goodwill and cordiality between two countries. Both sides agreed to work for further strengthening of bilateral relations, said the Pakistan side. The Foreign Adviser told reporters that both sides have agreed to resolve the long-standing unsettled issues between the two countries. “We have brought up all three of our unsettled issues and they have shared theirs. We have agreed to work on resolving them to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” he added. For Bangladesh, the adviser said, the three unresolved issues are an official apology for the 1971 Liberation War genocide, the return of due assets and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. He also said it is impossible to resolve these issues that have persisted for 54 years in a single day, but efforts will continue. During the meeting, the two sides stressed strengthening trade relations and expanding investment, as yearly turnover between the countries is below $ 1 billion, he said. Bangladesh wanted some facilities to the Pakistani bazars under SAFTA to export textile, energy, medicine, agriculture products and information technology, the adviser added. Bangladesh-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Coinciding with the visit of the Pakistan Foreign Minister, a Bangladesh-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor was launched. The project envisages grant of 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students for pursuing higher studies in Pakistan during the next five years. Read more: Meeting between Touhid Hossain and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar underway A quarter of these scholarships will be awarded in the field of medicine. Besides, training for 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will be arranged during the same period. Pakistan also decided to increase the scholarships allocated to Bangladeshi students under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Program from 5 to 25, according to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry. Other Meetings, Reception The Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh also hosted a lunch in honour of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar had a breakfast meeting with Bangladesh Adviser for Commerce Sk Bashir Uddin. Minister of Commerce Jam Khamal Khan also joined the meeting. The Commerce Adviser was accompanied by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Dr Ahsan H Mansur, Governor, Bangladesh Bank, Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman, National Board of Revenue of Revenue and Secretary, Internal Resources Division, Md Abdur Rauf, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute Moinul Khan, Chairman, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, Nasreen Jahan, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Brigadier General Mohammad Foyshol Azad, Chairman, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh and Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan The two sides discussed ways to promote economic and commercial cooperation, with a special focus on enhancing trade and promoting connectivity. The Pak Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister attended a reception hosted in his honour by the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Haider. At the reception, Ishaq Dar interacted with a number of personalities from different walks of life, including Bangladesh government advisers, bureaucrats, leadership of political parties, vice chancellors, members of intelligentsia and think tanks, sportsmen, artists, journalists, retired generals and others. Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, also attended the reception. In his remarks at the reception, Ishaq Dar underscored that the people of Pakistan had fraternal sentiments towards the people of Bangladesh. He said the relations between the two countries were anchored in centuries-old shared traditions, Islamic heritage, social norms and literary expressions. Wishing the people of Bangladesh a harmonious and prosperous future, he expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to forge a cooperative and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh. Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh. He is also scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.  

A meeting between Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar is underway at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The Pakistani minister arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh. Jamaat delegation meets Pakistan foreign minister at high commission He is also scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.

A delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday during his visit to Dhaka. The meeting took place at the Pakistan High Commission, where a five-member Jamaat delegation held discussions in what was described as a cordial and sincere atmosphere, according to a press release issued by the party. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was accompanied by Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and other officials from the High Commission. The Jamaat delegation included Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher, Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and Central Executive Council Member and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday welcomed a group of visiting Bangladeshi and Nepali doctors. They were led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Nashir Uddin, director of National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) of Bangladesh and Professor Dr. Kiran Nakarmi, course Director of Kirtipur Burn Hospital of Nepal, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of the government of Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam received the Pakistan Foreign Minister upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Haider, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Khan and officials from the both sides were present. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday morning, said the official. He will also hold meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin. Discussions will encompass the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation including regional and international issues of mutual interest, officials said. The Pakistani side described the visit as “landmark” one. Referring to 1971 issues with Pakistan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain on August 4 said each issue would be on the table for discussions during his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart. Ishaq Dar's previous scheduled visit to Bangladesh in April was postponed amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Later, the two sides finalised new the schedule through mutual consultations. Amid occasional tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi since the Awami League regime’s fall last year, Pakistan has been actively reaching out to Bangladesh through frequent visits, seeking to strengthen bilateral ties despite unresolved historical issues since 1971. Bangladesh witnessed a series of visits from Pakistan in recent months with ongoing official visit of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan who began his interactions in Dhaka on Thursday.

Amid occasional tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi since the Awami League regime’s fall last year, Pakistan has been actively reaching out to Bangladesh through frequent visits, seeking to strengthen bilateral ties despite unresolved historical issues since 1971. Bangladesh witnessed a series of visits from Pakistan in recent months with ongoing official visit of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan who began his interactions in Dhaka on Thursday. On the other hand, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain is set to welcome his Pakistani counterpart Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday. At the invitation of Bangladesh, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit to Bangladesh on August 23-24. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will hold meetings with various Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Adviser Hossain, a senior official told UNB. His previous scheduled visit to Bangladesh in April was postponed amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The whole range of bilateral relations and a number of regional and international issues will be discussed during these meetings. In a latest development, diplomatic and official passport holders of Bangladesh and Pakistan will now be able to travel to each other’s countries without visas. The Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, approved a draft agreement to this effect at its weekly meeting on Thursday. 1971 Issues on Table During Foreign Secretary-level talks in Dhaka on April 17, Bangladesh raised historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the atrocities committed against Bangladesh during the 1971 War of Liberation by the Pakistan forces and pending financial claims from Pakistan. Bangladesh thinks these issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of the relations. Bangladesh keeps demanding a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971, stressing that all the unresolved historical issues must be addressed to put the relations between Dhaka and Islamabad on solid foundation.  . Bangladesh raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan such as repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, Bangladesh's fair share of undivided wealth – US$ 4.32 billion, transfer of foreign aid funds sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone, and a formal apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971. Bangladesh, Pakistan to allow visa-free entry for govt officials Bangladesh seeks Pakistan's cooperation in building a 'strong, welfare-oriented and forward-looking' relationship with Pakistan by resolving the existing historical unresolved issues at the earliest and emphasised on working together towards this end. Referring to 1971 issues with Pakistan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said each issue would be on the table for discussions as plans to hold bilateral talks with the his Pakistan counterpart on August 24. "Each issue will be on the table," Adviser Hossain told reporters when asked whether Bangladesh will raise the issues of seeking public apology by Pakistan and due compensation. The iinterim government says it is approaching in a "pragmatic way" in terms of its relations with Pakistan, stressing that everything will be on the table for discussion with Pakistan. Bangladesh sees willingness from the Pakistan side to remain engaged on those issues as the talks began between Dhaka and Islamabad after 15 years. Business Leaders Push for Closer Trade Ties Pakistan’s Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan paid a courtesy visit to the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), where he met its President Taskeen Ahmed. During the meeting, Ahmed highlighted strong cultural and lifestyle similarities between the two nations, noting Bangladesh’s significant demand for Pakistani textiles and jewelry. He urged greater government support for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Pakistan to boost bilateral trade and investment. He further suggested that direct passenger and cargo flights would significantly improve business connectivity. Collaborations in Food Security Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar on Thursday and discussed possible collaborations in food security. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the MoU on rice trade between Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the Directorate General of Food, Bangladesh - signed in January 2025, under which Pakistan has delivered 50,000 MT of rice. Pakistan to start direct flights with Bangladesh by end of 2025 It was agreed that the MoU will work as a gateway for regular exchanges of delegations on both government-to- government and business-to-business levels for enhancing the trade of essential commodities. Pakistan said the upcoming 3rd International Food and Agricultural Exhibition (FoodAg) which is being held in Karachi on November 25–27 provides an opportunity for Bangladeshi businesses and government officials to have an in-depth understanding of Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.   The adviser and the minister stressed the need for enhancing the yield of crops by improving agricultural practices to meet the growing demands of food commodities in both countries. Connectivity Recognising connectivity as a priority, Bangladesh and Pakistan have already welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, and emphasised the importance of resuming direct air links. They also expressed satisfaction over the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation. Direct container shipping between Karachi Port and Chattogram began in mid-November. On its maiden voyage, the service transported 370 single containers, with 297 originating from Pakistan and the rest from the UAE. Cultural Links Reflecting a warm relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Dhaka has recently seen an increasing presence of Pakistani artists. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reveals how he learned Bangla  Dhaka's audience enjoyed performance by celebrated Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at a concert held at the Army Stadium last year. In this shifting political landscape, Pakistani pop-rock band Jal also returned to Dhaka after more than a decade to perform at the 'Legends of the Decade' concert recently. Similarly, in November, renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam—adored by Bangladeshi fans—also performed in Dhaka. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, widely admired for a number of his iconic tracks like 'Afreen Afreen', 'O Re Piya', and 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak', performed at the 'Echoes of Revolution' concert organised by the Spirits of July platform.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday (August 23) for a two-day official visit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued on Friday. The visit is being made at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the statement said. During his stay from August 23–24, the Deputy Prime Minister will hold high-level meetings with several Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain. Discussions will cover the full range of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement added. Referring to 1971 issues with Pakistan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Aug 4, said each issue would be on the table for discussions as Dhaka is set to receive his Pakistani counterpart on August 23. "Each issue will be on the table," Adviser Hossain told reporters when asked whether Bangladesh will raise the issues of seeking public apology by Pakistan and due compensation. Hossain said the interim government is approaching in a "pragmatic way" in terms of its relations with Pakistan, stressing that everything will be on the table for discussion during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar's visit. Ishaq Dar's previous scheduled visit to Bangladesh in April was postponed amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. “Owing to unforeseen circumstances, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is unable to undertake the visit to Bangladesh on 27-28 April 2025,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan at that time. Pakistan to start direct flights with Bangladesh by end of 2025 Later, the two sides finalised new date through mutual consultations. In July last week, Bangladesh and Pakistan expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine, reiterating their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause. The message was conveyed during a meeting between Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain, held on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations. This was their fourth meeting since October 2024. They also reviewed bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation, while exploring ways to enhance connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka said.