A FEW weeks ago, Bangladesh received its first formal trade consignment from Pakistan, marking an improvement in ties between the two countries. After the political upheaval in Bangladesh, the people there have shown great affinity towards Pakistan which is a positive development in terms of both bilateral and regional cooperation. All this has happened mainly because not only the people, but the Bangladesh government has shown a pro-Pakistan stance.

The alarms going off in India and the increasing rift between Dhaka and New Delhi is, indeed, a golden opportunity for Pakistan. Islamabad must strive hard to have improved trade and security relations with Dhaka.

As India becomes a de facto protector of American interests in the region, causing trouble to Pakistan and China, and threatening Bangladesh, there is an ever more need to cut India to its actual regional size.

A three-pronged alliance focussing on economic, diplomatic and security parameters involving Pakistan, China and Bangladesh would be an effective way to counter India in the region. This would be a countermeasure to India’s interventionist and pro-American policies.

In case of any Indian aggression, the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, can be blocked, effectively blocking India’s seven sister states from mainland India.

The Indian government has shown its concerns over Pakistan’s trade coming into Bangladesh with reference to the ongoing tension in India’s northeastern states, and has directly threatened the government in Bangladesh. This attitude needs to be countered effectively.

It is evident that the Bengali majority still has sentiments of love for Pakistan. We must cash in on this opportunity to secure Bangladesh’s interests as well as counter the mounting Indian hegemony in the region that is threatening the interests f both Pakistani and China.

Pakistan and Bangladesh need each other, and there might not come such a golden chance for many decades to come.

Musa Abubakr
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2025