Dr Imran Ahmed1
1National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Biography:
Dr Imran Ahmed is a Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. He is interested in the religious, legal and political histories of South Asia. Dr Ahmed has published in journals such as South Asia, the Journal of Contemporary Asia, Third World Quarterly, The Round Table, Griffith Law Review, Journal of Law, Religion and State, and the Australian Journal of Human Rights.
Abstract:
Recent developments in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations reflect a shift in diplomatic priorities. The interim government in Bangladesh has made overtures towards Pakistan, including high-level meetings, the removal of visa restrictions, and efforts to boost economic cooperation. These actions, along with the cancellation of judicial training programs with India and revisions to historical narratives in national curriculums and textbooks, suggest a reorientation of Bangladesh’s foreign policy as it seeks to redefine its regional and historical ties. This paper traces key tensions and milestones shaping the relationship between the two countries since Bangladesh’s independence. Early reconciliation was hindered by Pakistan’s reluctance to recognise Bangladesh and China’s veto of its UN membership. Significant moments like the Delhi Agreement of 1973, the recognition of Bangladesh’s sovereignty, and the repatriation of prisoners of war marked turning points. Despite efforts at rapprochement in the 1990s and 21st century, tensions, including the execution of Abdul Qauder Molla, highlight the enduring legacy of historical grievances. As Bangladesh re-examines its past, especially following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the Awami League, the question arises: can it address unresolved historical issues while forging new diplomatic and economic ties with Pakistan? This paper also considers the broader regional context, including Bangladesh’s shifting relations with India, and how these factors shape its approach to Pakistan. It assesses whether recent diplomatic overtures are a genuine shift, or a strategic recalibration driven by political and regional needs.