The Bangladesh-Pakistan bilateral relationship is one of the most complex South Asian bilateral undertakings, a perpetual tug of war between historical grievances and cooperation on practical interests. This article tries to make sense of the manner in which the shadow of the 1971 Liberation War continues to redefine diplomacy in the present day by examining current trends in bilateral relations while exploring the inherent question of whether historical forgiveness is a pre-condition for functional cooperation or an after-effect of long-term interaction.
After July 2024, Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have taken on a new dimension and have succeeded in attracting renewed attention in the diplomatic arena. Key conciliation issues remain unsolved but recent political developments have brought a drastic change. Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan's visit on August 21, 2025, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's meetings are the signals of the beginning of the new chapter in bilateral relations.
After July 2024, Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have taken on a new dimension and have succeeded in attracting renewed attention in the diplomatic arena. Key conciliation issues remain unsolved but recent political developments have brought a drastic change
The trajectory between Bangladesh and Pakistan depends on economic, diplomatic and cultural exchanges. "During the 2024-25 fiscal year, bilateral trade grew by 20 per cent, reaching nearly $865 million. Imports from Pakistan accounted for approximately $787 million, while Bangladesh's exports stood at $78 million (Daily Prothom Alo, August 29, 2025)". In November 2024, the renewal of direct maritime trade is an important step to rebuild the connection between the two countries.
The bilateral relationship includes not only trade but also defense cooperation. Bangladesh's participation in Pakistan's AMAN naval exercise, as well as discussions on additional defense cooperation, is a clear drift gauged by reference to the previous record of diplomacy. A strategic transition from past hostility toward an integrated manner has pointed out by these actions.
Pakistan's balanced foreign policy highly affects the shifting politics of South Asia. The rivalry between India and Pakistan over China's regional influence boosts Bangladesh's importance. It depicts a pivotal change in the long-running relationship between China and Bangladesh, and there is a high chance to influence their regional alliances.
Despite much progress, the impact of 1971 is clear in taking the next steps. Bangladesh remains firm in its demands for Pakistan's recognition of the genocide, an unconditional apology and the settlement of old property claims. These demands go beyond historical grievances, representing political legitimacy and shared pride.
Historical narratives often contain enduring points of contention. Bangladesh demands recognition of the 1971 war crimes. On the other hand, Pakistan believes the issue has been resolved through past agreements and apologies. Bangladesh puts a distinction between utterances of 'regret' as opposed to a 'formal apology'.
Pakistan has clearly avoided an apology due to internal political concerns, disputed casualty figures and fears of domestic backlash. Pakistan criticized Bangladesh's 2009 International Crimes Tribunal, as it was not compatible with the 1974 agreement. As a result, it complicated the reconciliation procedure.
The political perspective of forgiveness influences national politics, regional geopolitics and post-conflict justice. For Bangladesh, a formal apology is undoubtedly necessary to acknowledge the sufferings of the victims and strengthen national legitimacy. In spite of the change of government, public sentiment towards the 1971 Liberation War and Pakistan remains unchanged on the whole.
The leaders of Pakistan emphasize future cooperation. In contrast, scholars dispute that unresolved historical explication is a central challenge on the way to diplomatic reconciliation.
India, China and the United States are also interconnected with the growing relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The restructuring of SAARC can be the first step in renewing Dhaka-Islamabad relations. Based on the regional context, Pakistan-India relations are also involved in this.
This cooperation can influence global leverage for both of the countries and enhance regional connectivity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The current trajectory of Bangladesh-Pakistan diplomacy demonstrates that despite historical grievances, coexistence is possible through functional cooperation. The diplomacy of the strategic bargain-building trust through exchange, interdependence, and strategic congruence; having grievances on the table but not making them the driver-is a lesson from which others can learn in conceptualizing wartime relations. Economic complementarity, shared culture and common strategic interests establish the foundation for sustainable cooperation.
To sum up, the future of Bangladesh and Pakistan relies on the artful mixture of history and politics and the reality of both countries. Having the past as a charioteer and moving ahead in the current situation can be a healthy attitude for these two South Asian nations.
The writer is a student, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka
