ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh following the departure of Sheikh Hasina Wajid from the country amid mass protests and political unrest.
“The government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, sincerely hoping for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The statement came after weeks of protests in Bangladesh, which culminated in Ms Wajid’s departure on Monday, marking a significant moment in the country’s recent history. Pakistan’s statement emphasised its confidence in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi people, saying, “We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future.”
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have largely remained strained during Ms Wajid’s tenure, marked by historical grievances stemming from the 1971 Bangladesh War. Additionally, the punishments meted out to figures associated with that period by the Sheikh Hasina administration have been a continuous source of tension.
The development is seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to reengage with the important South Asian country.
Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024
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