Malik Waqar
COAS Reiterates the Significance of Joint Efforts to Promote Peace
Lt Gen Hassan Commends the Professionalism of Pakistan’s Army
Both Sides Explore Further Avenues to Enhance Military Cooperation
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division, Lt Gen S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, on Tuesday emphasised the importance of strengthening the defence relationship between the two nations, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During their meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, both sides stressed that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly countries must remain resilient to external influences, as outlined in the ISPR statement.
The two leaders held extensive discussions on the evolving security dynamics within the region and explored additional avenues to enhance bilateral military cooperation.
The COAS reaffirmed the significance of joint efforts in fostering peace and stability across South Asia and the wider region, ensuring that both nations continue to contribute to regional security through collaborative defence initiatives.
Lt Gen Hassan commended the exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Army, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by its forces in their tireless battle against terrorism. He highlighted that the Army’s efforts stand as a testament to courage and determination.
Pakistan-Bangladesh relations have taken a new direction following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had maintained strong ties with India, from office last year. Hasina, 77, sought refuge in India after a student-led revolution in August 2024.
The political landscape in Dhaka has shifted since, with ties between Bangladesh and India becoming increasingly strained. Hasina, now in exile in India, had once enjoyed the support of New Delhi.
Last month, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his intent to “strengthen relations” with Pakistan following a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a conference in Egypt.
Prime Minister Shehbaz described their conversation as a “warm and cordial exchange,” adding, “Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral collaboration.”
Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties between the two countries through increased trade, commerce, and the exchange of sports and cultural delegations, according to a statement from Yunus’ office.
In November, a significant milestone was reached when the first cargo ship in decades sailed directly from Pakistan to Bangladesh, successfully unloading its containers at the port of Chittagong.
The discussions took place during the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation summit in Cairo, which saw the participation of eight Muslim-majority nations.
