Islamabad, Dec 6: In an indication of a change toward better bilateral ties between the two nations, the interim government of Bangladesh has loosened its visa requirements for people of Pakistan. Since erstwhile pro-India Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left, attempts have been made to strengthen ties, which is shown in this development.
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has simplified the travel process for Pakistani nationals by eliminating the need for security clearance. While the foreign ministry directed diplomatic offices throughout the world to expedite visa applications for Pakistanis, the Security Services Division of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued directives to streamline visa operations.
The decision was made amid tense ties between India and Bangladesh, which reached a low point after an attack on a Bangladeshi consulate in India on December 3, 2024. Tensions between the neighbors were further highlighted by this episode, which led Bangladesh to call in India’s ambassador.
After Sheikh Hasina’s dictatorial government was overthrown in August by a student-led rebellion, relations deteriorated earlier this year. Bangladesh must reassess its foreign policy under new leadership as the old leader is now living in India.
