Pakistan, Bangladesh navies eye reinforcing operational engagements, regional security

• Bangladesh navy delegation meets Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Islamabad
• Islamabad, Dhaka have warmed up to each other since former PM Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 ouster

KARACHI: Senior naval officials of Pakistan and Bangladesh on Tuesday sought to reinforce operational engagements, enhance information sharing and regional security mechanisms, the Pakistan Navy said.

The statement followed a meeting between a visiting Bangladesh Navy delegation, led by Commander Chattogram (COMCHIT) Rear Admiral Moinul Hassan, and Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf in Islamabad.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have sought closer economic and defense cooperation since last year, with officials from both countries frequently visiting each other to strengthen relations. Both nations, former bitter rivals, are warming up to each other after the 2024 ouster of India-aligned former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Both dignitaries expressed a shared resolve to broaden operational engagements, enhance information sharing and explore new dimensions of strategic cooperation between the two navies,” the Pakistan Navy said.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest including ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and reinforce regional security mechanisms, it added.

The Pakistan Navy said the Bangladeshi delegation’s visit reflected Islamabad and Dhaka’s mutual commitment to deepen professional linkages, enhance operational synergy and jointly contribute to regional maritime peace and stability.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same nation until 1971, when East Pakistan seceded to form the independent country of Bangladesh after a bloody civil war.

Earlier in November, Pakistan proposed establishing a structured maritime cooperation framework with Bangladesh to deepen collaboration between the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation.

A delegation of a Pakistani state-owned defense manufacturer last week met Bangladesh army chief to discuss defense cooperation.