Ahsan Iqbal calls on Bangladesh’s interim leader Yunus

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal called on the outgoing Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus during his visit to Dhaka.

Iqbal arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day official visit to represent Pakistan at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman, in the absence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who is unable was unable to attend “due to a prior overseas engagement” according to the Foreign Office.

“Pakistan’s participation in the ceremony reflects its support for Bangladesh’s democratic process and underscores its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries,” the foreign office said.

In a post on X after meeting the interim leader of Bangladesh, Iqbal said he “warmly congratulated Professor Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of elections and the historic democratic transition”, and “conveyed Pakistan’s sincere good wishes for continued stability, progress, and prosperity for Bangladesh under its new leadership”.

“Our discussions focused on opening a new, forward-looking chapter in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations. I expressed appreciation for the positive momentum in bilateral ties, including growing trade engagement, revival of direct air connectivity, and renewed people-to-people contacts,” he said, adding that they agreed that the “current regional and geopolitical environment demands greater economic cooperation, connectivity, and collaboration between our two countries”.

Iqbal said he also acknowledged Professor Yunus’s remarkable global contributions to social entrepreneurship and inclusive development.

He extended an invitation for him to visit Pakistan to “further institutionalise cooperation in areas of shared interest, particularly youth empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development”.

The minister apprised the Chief Adviser of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships under the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor initiative and informed him that the first batch of Bangladeshi students has already commenced studies at leading Pakistani universities.

“Investing in our youth and strengthening academic partnerships will lay the foundation for durable trust and long-term collaboration,” he said in the post.

Iqbal said Pakistan and Bangladesh “share deep cultural, historical, and social affinities. It is time to transform these affinities into structured economic partnerships, academic exchanges, and regional cooperation.

“Our future lies in building connectivity, expanding trade, empowering youth, and shaping a stable and prosperous South Asia together”.