Bangladesh-Pakistan Thaw

The visit of Lt Gen SM Kamr-ul-Hassan to Islamabad marks a significant shift in Bangladesh-Pakistan ties post-Hasina, raising strategic concerns for India amidst evolving geopolitical equations in South Asia

- SHANTANU MUKHARJI

The recent visit of Lt Gen SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, who is the second in command, and the first top Bangladeshi general to have travelled to Islamabad in many years, has made ripples amongst the Bangladesh and Pakistan watchers. Indian strategic thinkers, both political and military, are equally surprised by such a trip. The visit of Lt Gen Hassan, accompanied by senior army officers, highlights the shift in bilateral ties between the two countries since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, last year. The relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained standstill during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, who consistently spurned peace overtures by Pakistan. But since the regime change, there has been a visible improvement in ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both sides have stepped up their contacts and several meetings recently took place at the leadership level apparently to reset the relationship.

The visit of the Bangladesh Army delegation led by such a senior general is seen as yet another indication of an emerging thaw between the two countries. Further, the Bangladeshi General held separate meetings with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza.