Pakistan and Bangladesh will seal a significant deal very soon. This deal will be important in terms of defence. However, both sides are currently preparing a common mechanism for the agreement. Pakistan’s ISI and senior Army officials recently visited Dhaka. The defence deal would certainly enhance India’s worries, as it is likely to increase instability in the region.
According to News18, a top source in Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that Islamabad and Dhaka have prepared a joint mechanism, and the final shape and key components of the proposed deal are being finalised. The initiative was taken after advancing defence cooperation between the two nations.
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The report cited a senior diplomat who told the source that Bangladesh’s defence department is keen to sign a strategic and defence pact with Pakistan. The pact will be similar to Pakistan’s defence deal with Saudi Arabia. To make the pact viable on the ground, several rounds of talks have been held between senior Army officials of both nations.
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Sources indicated that the talks are progressing swiftly, but the final draft will be completed after the general elections. This will give the next government time to review and approve the pact. The general elections in Bangladesh are slated for the month of February.
Recently, senior Army officials of Pakistan and Bangladesh have paid visits to each other’s countries. Army, Navy, and Air Force officials have held several meetings over the last one year. This engagement increased after Muhammad Yunus took over the reins.
Pakistan’s increasing role in Bangladesh has made India somewhat worried. However, Dhaka has stated that it will not allow its soil to be used against any country, but Pakistan has a different history. Pakistan has previously used Bangladesh’s soil to create unrest in India’s Northeast. Pakistan could attempt this again as part of what it calls a strategy of a two-front war against India.