Bangladesh, Pakistan to join forces against terrorism: Home Adviser

Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in combating terrorism and drug trafficking, strengthening ties based on their shared history.

Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Home Affairs Adviser, made the remarks during a meeting at the Secretariat with Pakistan’s Home Minister and Asian Cricket Council President, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed mutual cooperation in areas including counter-terrorism, police training, visa facilitation, cybercrime, trade, and the Rohingya refugee issue.

An MoU on on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders is nearing completion, said the Home Affairs Adviser. Construction of the Bangladesh Embassy in Pakistan is ongoing, with plans to begin e-passport services after completion.

Pakistan emphasized its prioritization of anti-terrorism efforts and invited Bangladesh to leverage Pakistan’s experience. Both countries highlighted drug trafficking challenges from neighboring Afghanistan and Myanmar, agreeing to share expertise.

Police training cooperation is also on the agenda, with proposals for a formal agreement between police academies. Pakistan clarified its policy on Rohingya refugees, issuing special passports without granting citizenship. Bangladesh expressed hope for Pakistan’s support in Rohingya repatriation.

The Pakistan Home Minister extended an invitation to the Bangladeshi adviser for a visit and expressed condolences over a recent plane crash in Uttara.

Senior officials from both countries attended the meeting.