Pakistan and Bangladesh Forge New Strategic Path with Potential Defence Pact

The geopolitical landscape of South Asia is witnessing a tectonic shift. After decades of cold relations rooted in the 1971 war, Pakistan and Bangladesh are now moving toward a formal Mutual Defence Agreement. This development, which gained massive momentum in late 2025, marks a "paradigm shift" in the region. Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the interim government in Dhaka has systematically dismantled old barriers, choosing to rebuild ties with Islamabad across trade, culture, and now, national security.

​A Secretive Joint Mechanism

​Recent reports indicate that both nations have established a "joint mechanism" to draft the framework of this defence pact. This team includes high-ranking officials from the ministries of defence, along with representatives from the army, navy, and air force of both countries. The goal is to create a structured alliance that goes beyond simple cooperation.

​The proposed agreement is being compared in scope to the "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" that Pakistan signed with Saudi Arabia in September 2025. Such a pact typically includes clauses for joint military training, intelligence sharing, and most significantly, coordinated responses during security crises. While the draft is being finalized now, sources suggest the formal signing will likely occur after the Bangladesh general elections scheduled for February 2026.

​From Trade Barriers to Open Skies

​The road to this defence pact was paved with significant economic relaxations. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, the interim administration in Dhaka removed several long-standing restrictions on Pakistan. This included ending the mandatory 100% physical inspection of Pakistani shipments and lifting special security clearance requirements for Pakistani nationals.

​By late 2025, direct maritime trade between Karachi and Chittagong resumed for the first time in decades. Direct flights have also been restored, signaling a "normalization" that seemed impossible just two years ago. This economic "thaw" provided the necessary trust for the two militaries to begin high-level talks.

​Military Outreach and Joint Exercises

​The military-to-military engagement has been intense. In early 2025, the Bangladesh Navy participated in Pakistan’s multinational naval exercise, "AMAN-2025," led by the vessel BNS Samudra Joy. This was the first time in decades that Dhaka engaged at such a high military level with Islamabad.

​Following this, there have been frequent visits by top generals. Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman and the ISI chief have both made historic trips to Dhaka. These meetings focused on "capacity building," counter-terrorism, and sharing experiences in modern warfare. There are even reports that Bangladesh is exploring the procurement of military hardware manufactured in Pakistan, particularly Chinese-designed systems.

​The Regional Ripple Effect

​This burgeoning alliance has sent shockwaves through the region, particularly in India. For New Delhi, the prospect of a "Two-Front" security challenge—one on the western border with Pakistan and another on the eastern border with Bangladesh—is a serious strategic concern.

​Historically, India enjoyed a close and "special" relationship with the Hasina government. With that gone, the new leadership in Dhaka is pursuing "strategic autonomy." By aligning with Pakistan and strengthening ties with China, Bangladesh is signaling that it no longer wants to view South Asia through the lens of Indian influence alone.

​Internal Unrest and the Timing

​The timing of these talks is also critical. Bangladesh is currently facing internal turmoil following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The resulting protests and social instability have created a sense of urgency for the interim government to secure its borders and internal security.

​Some analysts believe the move toward a defence pact is a way for the current administration to consolidate power and ensure military support before the upcoming elections. However, critics argue that moving too close to Pakistan might revive old traumas or lead to increased radicalization within the country.

​A New Era for South Asia

​If this Mutual Defence Agreement is signed, it will officially end the post-1971 era of isolation between the two wings of what was once one country. It represents a pragmatic, if controversial, attempt to redefine South Asian geopolitics.

​For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to regain a strategic foothold in the East. For Bangladesh, it is a move toward diversifying its security partners. As the world watches, the "green and white" and "green and red" flags are flying closer than they have in half a century, forever changing the balance of power in the Bay of Bengal.