Cargo vessel from Pak arrives at Bangladesh port, in first-ever direct maritime link between 2 nations

As Bangladesh cosies up with Pakistan after the fall of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year-long reign, a cargo vessel from Karachi arrived at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port on Wednesday. The authorities from both sides called it the first-ever direct maritime link between the two countries.

According to The Dhaka Tribune, the vessel was carrying a diverse array of goods with an estimated 2,300 TEUs of capacity. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof called the direct shipping between the two nations “a major step forward in enhancing bilateral trade and business ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh besides boosting a more integrated trade network across the region.”

He noted that the initiative would not only “accelerate the existing trade flows but also promote new opportunities for businesses” for both countries. Meanwhile, the Pakistani high commissioner also proposed launching direct shipping transport between Pakistan and Bangladesh. “The system will help to take forward the eco-social relations of the two countries.”

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Bangladesh cosies up with Pakistan

The arrival of a Pakistani vessel at a Bangladesh port reflects the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s shift to a regional approach. After the fall of the Hasina administration, Yunus held numerous talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These initiatives come as a major shift to Dhaka’s foreign policy towards the country which was responsible for heavy atrocities during the 1971 liberation war.

In September, the Bangladeshi chief adviser met Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting. At that time, Yunus called for reviving the South Asian Association of Regional Corporation (SAARC).

The Bangladeshi Nobel laureate noted that SAARC could be a good way to start the process of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, the Pakistani premier noted that Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a “new page” in their relations to enhance cooperation in different sectors.

“It’s very essential we revive our relations,” he added. Sharif also emphasised Pakistan’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s textile and leather sectors.

With inputs from agencies.