Pakistan, Bangladesh Allow Visa-Free Official Travel
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signaling a potential shift in regional alignments. The agreement was reached during a two-day bilateral visit by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Dhaka, where he met with Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
This move comes as part of a broader initiative to deepen cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the fields of internal security, law enforcement training, counter-narcotics, and anti-human trafficking. Both countries expressed commitment to establishing joint committees and enhancing exchange programs between their police and interior ministries.
The Pakistani delegation invited Bangladeshi officials to visit police training academies and urban surveillance systems under Pakistan’s Safe City Project, indicating long-term institutional collaboration.
Strategic Concerns from India
The agreement has raised concerns in New Delhi, with Indian intelligence agencies closely observing the implications of increased Pakistani official presence in Bangladesh. Sources in Indian security circles warn that the development could provide greater operational freedom for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with potential risks for India’s northeastern border regions, which have historically seen cross-border insurgency activity.
The timing of the agreement is also significant, coming just months after the fall of Bangladesh’s pro-India government led by Sheikh Hasina in late 2024. The current interim administration, under Muhammad Yunus, is perceived to be adopting a more neutral foreign policy, possibly opening avenues for enhanced ties with Islamabad.
Broader Regional Implications
This development adds to the evolving diplomatic landscape in South Asia, where regional alignments are being redefined amid shifting political leadership and growing concerns about cross-border extremism. Analysts note that Bangladesh’s engagement with Pakistan, particularly in the security sector, could complicate India’s strategic calculus in the region.
India is expected to respond by intensifying intelligence coordination, reassessing its engagement strategies with Dhaka, and possibly enhancing regional security partnerships to counter any perceived influence of Pakistan’s security apparatus in its neighborhood.
Looking Ahead
While the visa-free entry pact is currently limited to official and diplomatic personnel, its long-term strategic impact may extend well beyond formal travel privileges. As both countries signal deeper engagement, the region watches closely to see how this partnership reshapes the balance of power in South Asia.