ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday that Islamabad has “vast opportunities” for investment in various sectors, as both countries seek closer cooperation amid warming ties.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have significantly improved ties after the latter’s former premier Sheikh Hasina was ousted via bloody protests in 2024. Once part of the same country, Bangladesh seceded from Pakistan following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that long cast a shadow over bilateral ties.
Naqvi, who arrived in Bangladesh this week, met Islam in Dhaka where the two discussed bilateral ties, the regional situation, trade and investment cooperation. Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US-Iran conflict were also discussed, the interior ministry said.
“Pakistan offers vast opportunities for investment,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by the ministry.
Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, business and culture, the interior ministry said.
“It was also agreed to increase mutual exchanges of delegations to promote trade and cultural relations,” the statement added.
Pakistan and Bangladesh signed an agreement on Saturday to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of drugs. The agreement was signed during Naqvi’s meeting in Dhaka with his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed.
Pakistan’s interior ministry said the two officials decided to form a joint working group between the two interior ministries. Relevant agencies of both countries will exchange timely information about drug smugglers and networks.
