ISI Chief Visits Dhaka to Strengthen Intelligence Ties with Bangladesh

On Tuesday, Lieutenant General Asim Malik, the Chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), made a historic visit to Dhaka. This is the first time in decades that the head of Pakistan’s intelligence agency has traveled to Bangladesh, reported The Economic Times. The visit aims to establish a new framework for information-sharing between the intelligence agencies of the two countries.

Purpose of the Visit

In that light, the principal objective of General Malik’s visit will be to fashion a network allowing Pakistan and Bangladesh to share information on cross-border subversive activities. All cross-border subversive activities allegedly cause disruptions within India, with these disruptions, in turn exacerbating regional tension. The ISI Chief arrived in Dhaka from Dubai. He was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Faizur Rahman, the Quarter Master General (QMG) of the Bangladesh Army, who is said to have maintained close relations with Pakistan.

Improved Relations Amid Regional Dynamics

While Bangladesh and Pakistan have historically shared a strained relationship, recent geopolitical developments have led to a shift in their diplomatic ties. The recent ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has opened doors for improved relations, spurred by a rising anti-India sentiment in both nations, as highlighted by The Economic Times.

Recent Military Cooperation Between the Two Countries

The current visit is part of another critical military exchange in the first half of this year when Lieutenant General SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, PSO of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Army’s second-in-command, visited Islamabad. He met there with Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza to discuss emerging security challenges and augment bilateral military cooperation.

The generals agreed to create a “stronger defense relationship,” one which would better hold the nation resilient against various forms of international pressures. Neither general made an allusion to India in a statement given by ISPR Pakistan over their joint news. However, the need was felt to make sure that “any external effort” did not adversely affect their alliance.

Going on with Dialogue

The visit also aligns with deeper diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, recently met Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, at an international summit in Cairo. This further consolidates the burgeoning cooperation between the two countries.