Pakistan, Bangladesh sign six agreements; announce ‘knowledge corridor’

DHAKA: Pakistan and Bangladesh have signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to trade, security and administrative training programs. The MoUs were signed during Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Bangladesh.

Also read: Ishaq Dar reaches Bangladesh for bilateral talks

The FM is currently in Dhaka, leading a high-level delegation in bilateral talks with Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi delegation is being headed by Bangladesh Advisor on Foreign Affairs Muhammad Towhid Hussain. As per sources familiar with the bilateral talks, so far, the discussions have covered a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues.

During the talks, both sides have also discussed matters related to economic and trade cooperation, regional connectivity, and the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). High-level officials from various sectors of both countries are participating in the discussions.

The six MoUs and agreements that have been signed so far include:

• An agreement on visa free travel for diplomats and government officials of both countries.
• An MoU between the Foreign Service Academies of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• An MoU between the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
• An MoU between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies.
• An MoU to establish the Pakistan-Bangladesh Trade Joint Working Group.
• An MoU on cultural exchange programs (2025–2028).

The documents were signed under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Advisor Muhammad Towhid Hussain.

Also read: Sports diplomacy: Pakistan, Bangladesh cricket boards team up

In a separate meeting, the two leaders further discussed trade, economic matters, and regional and global developments. Topics included the activation of SAARC, the situation in Palestine, and the Rohingya issue. Both sides expressed a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

Advisor Hussain also hosted a luncheon in honor of Deputy Prime Minister Dar.

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH KNOWLEDGE CORRIDOR

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), Pakistan has also announced the establishment of “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor”. Under this project, 500 scholarships will be given to Bangladeshi students in the next five years.

A quarter of the total scholarships will be allocated for the medical sector, FO statement said, adding that training of 100 Bangladeshi civil servants will also be arranged during the next five years.

Moreover, Pakistan has also increased the number of scholarships for Bangladeshi students under the Technical Assistance Program from five to 25.

The announcement of the knowledge corridor was also made in Dhaka during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.