Yunus's Bangladesh Shifts Towards Pakistan: Defence, Diplomacy, Direct Flights Surge

• Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have rapidly accelerated under Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, reversing a long period of stagnation.
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume direct Dhaka-Karachi flights from January 29, restoring air connectivity after over a decade, requiring India's airspace clearance.
• Economic cooperation surged, with bilateral trade reaching $1.5 billion in 2023 and significant export growth, alongside resumed direct maritime trade and Joint Economic Commission meetings.
• Defence ties deepened with Pakistan's General Sahir Shamshad Mirza's visit, Bangladesh's participation in AMAN-2025, and potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder jets and artillery shells.
• Diplomatic engagement increased significantly, including high-level meetings, Foreign Secretary talks, and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit, resulting in six agreements.

Why It Matters: Under Yunus, Bangladesh is strategically redefining ties with Pakistan across defence, economy, and diplomacy.