Pakistan, Bangladesh Set to Launch Visa-Free Travel for Diplomatic, Official Passport Holders

Dhaka – Pakistan and Bangladesh have reached a mutual understanding to introduce visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signaling a renewed chapter in regional diplomacy.

The breakthrough emerged during a high-level meeting in Dhaka between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bangladesh’s Home Minister Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Minister Naqvi, who also chairs the Pakistan Cricket Board, was in Bangladesh for an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) event and used the opportunity to hold official talks.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the warming of bilateral relations, which have seen positive momentum since the departure of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from power in August 2023. Under Hasina’s 15-year leadership, diplomatic ties had cooled, with restrictions placed on Pakistani diplomats and trade flows hindered by unofficial barriers.

Since the interim administration took over in Dhaka, many of these obstacles have reportedly been removed, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two South Asian nations.

The ministers discussed a comprehensive bilateral security framework, including counterterrorism, narcotics control, and anti-human trafficking measures. Both sides also expressed strong interest in launching joint police training programs and exchange visits between law enforcement academies.

A joint coordination committee will be established to oversee implementation. It will be led by Pakistan’s Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, with Bangladesh expected to dispatch a high-level delegation to visit Pakistan’s National Police Academy in the coming weeks.

The decision to allow visa-free entry for diplomatic and official passport holders is being hailed as a symbolic and practical move toward rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation.

“This agreement is an important milestone in resetting our relationship with Bangladesh,” said Minister Naqvi.

Home Minister Chowdhury welcomed Naqvi with a guard of honour and praised the visit as a “pivotal moment” in bilateral diplomacy. He also appreciated Pakistan’s offer to train Bangladeshi police officers, signaling future cooperation in security infrastructure and personnel development.

The meeting was attended by:

Bangladesh: State Minister for Home Affairs Khuda Bakhsh, Home Secretary Nasim Al-Ghani, and senior ministry officials.
Pakistan: Charge d’Affaires Muhammad Wasif, Political Counsellor Kamran Dehingal, and interior ministry representatives.

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