Bangladesh-Pakistan Ties Surge Post-Yunus: Exports Up, Deep Defence Co-operation

• Bangladesh-Pakistan relations rapidly expanded across economic, defence, and diplomatic spheres since Muhammad Yunus became Chief Adviser.
• Bilateral trade saw significant growth, with Pakistan's exports to Bangladesh rising 27% in July-September 2024 and continuing to surge, driven by resumed direct sea trade and revived Joint Economic Commission.
• Defence cooperation deepened with high-level military exchanges, Bangladesh's participation in AMAN-2025 naval exercise, and talks for JF-17 Thunder jets and artillery ammunition procurement.
• Diplomatic engagement accelerated, marked by Foreign Secretary-level talks, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Dhaka, and signing of six agreements.
• Intelligence sources suggest this rapid engagement signifies a deliberate strategic reset, following the collapse of Dhaka's India-aligned leadership and Pakistan's groundwork.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh-Pakistan ties rapidly reset under Muhammad Yunus, driven by economic, defence, and diplomatic surges.