Dhaka, 09 Nov 2025 (Anadolu)

In a significant diplomatic and military engagement, Pakistan's Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, commenced a four-day official visit to Bangladesh on Sunday. This high-level visit coincides with a landmark goodwill tour by the Pakistani warship PNS SAIF, which anchored at the port of Chattogram, signaling a continued thaw in bilateral relations.

Admiral Ashraf’s itinerary began with a meeting at the Bangladesh Army Headquarters with the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh military, the discussions between the two leaders centered on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and enhancing mutual military capabilities. They explored specific avenues for expansion, including increased collaboration in bilateral training programs, joint seminars, and high-level exchange visits. This meeting follows the recent visit to Bangladesh by Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, in late October, indicating a sustained pattern of high-level military dialogue.

The concurrent presence of the naval vessel PNS SAIF in Chattogram for a four-day visit until November 12th adds a tangible dimension to these diplomatic overtures. The Pakistan Navy described this coordinated engagement as underscoring Pakistan's commitment to reinforcing its longstanding ties and improving maritime collaboration with Bangladesh. The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) of the Bangladesh Army noted that the warship's visit is expected to strengthen relations between the two nations. This naval visit is particularly notable as it is the first by a Pakistani warship since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. It follows the precedent set by a Pakistani cargo ship, which called at the port last year after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office.

Analysts observe that these developments are set against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics. Bilateral relations between Dhaka and Islamabad have shown marked improvement following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024, after which she fled to India. During her 15-year rule, Sheikh Hasina was known for maintaining strong ties with India. This relationship often came at the cost of narrower engagement with Pakistan in areas of trade and strategy. The recent high-level military exchanges and port visits suggest a recalibration of Bangladesh's foreign policy under the current interim administration, pointing towards a potential new chapter in Dhaka-Islamabad relations focused on renewed defense and maritime cooperation.