Bangladesh and Pakistan forge historic maritime link amid changing geopolitical dynamics

A Pakistani cargo ship docking at Bangladesh's Chittagong port has marked the first direct maritime connection between the two nations in over 50 years.

This development signifies a shift in the traditionally fraught relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, rooted in the events of the 1971 Liberation War. Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, gained independence with Indian support after a nine-month war marked by mass atrocities.

The Panama-flagged Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan, a 182-meter-long container ship, recently completed its voyage from Karachi to Chittagong, unloading goods such as raw materials for Bangladesh's garment industry and basic food items.

Historically, Pakistani goods destined for Bangladesh were transferred via feeder vessels in intermediary ports like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, or Singapore.

However, recent policy changes under Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, have eased import restrictions on Pakistani goods, enabling direct shipping.

The new maritime route, described by Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maroof, as “a major step” in bolstering trade, is expected to create fresh opportunities for businesses in both nations, reported NDTV.

The bilateral relationship remained tense, particularly during Sheikh Hasina's tenure as Prime Minister, which focused on seeking justice for the war’s atrocities and banning groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, known for their pro-Pakistan stance during the war. However, following Hasina’s ouster earlier this year, Bangladesh’s interim administration has signaled a departure from her policies. Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has emphasized rebuilding ties with Pakistan and fostering cooperation in various sectors.

The growing proximity between Islamabad and Dhaka has raised concerns for India, particularly given Bangladesh’s geographical proximity to its northeastern region. Historically, India has maintained strong relations with Bangladesh, bolstered by shared economic interests and cooperation in counterterrorism.

India has also closely monitored activities at Bangladesh’s Chittagong port, a site with historical links to the alleged smuggling of Chinese arms by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for insurgent groups in India. The burgeoning Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, coupled with the increased narcotics trade reportedly linked to Pakistan, could heighten India’s national security concerns.

While Prime Minister Yunus has assured that Bangladesh-India relations remain a priority, recent anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh has strained ties. Protests and violence targeting Indian institutions, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, have highlighted this shift.

Additionally, Bangladesh’s Attorney General recently proposed removing “socialism” and “secularism” from the constitution, prompting concerns that the country may be leaning toward a more Islamic identity.

Prime Minister Yunus, however, maintains that Dhaka and New Delhi must sustain close cooperation for mutual benefit. “It will be difficult for us to move forward without each other,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of security, economic, and water-sharing agreements.