DHAKA (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, called on the newly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, following his oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka.
Representing the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Minister Iqbal extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, wishing Bangladesh peace, progress and prosperity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. He also conveyed a formal invitation from the Pakistani Prime Minister for an official visit at a mutually convenient date.
آج ڈھاکہ میں نو منتخب وزیر اعظم طارق رحمان اور ان کی کابینہ کی حلف برداری کی تقریب میں شرکت کا اعزاز حاصل ہوا۔ میں نے وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف کی نمائندگی کرتے ہوئے پاکستان کی جانب سے نیک تمنائیں اور دوطرفہ تعلقات کو ہر شعبے میں مزید مضبوط بنانے کے عزم کا اعادہ کیا۔ ایک نئے باب… pic.twitter.com/YF2sVMG0Ej
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) February 17, 2026Pakistan-Bangldesh relations
During the meeting, both leaders explored ways to reinvigorate bilateral ties and advance regional cooperation. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the need to revive SAARC to promote regional connectivity and a shared geo-economic vision for South Asia, noting that historical conflicts have hindered regional integration.
Minister Iqbal proposed a “Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor” to enhance academic, research and technological collaboration. He announced that the Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) would visit Bangladesh to explore twin-university agreements and promote student and faculty exchange programmes.
Emphasising youth engagement, he shared that 500 scholarships have been allocated for Bangladeshi students, with 75 already proceeding to Pakistan for higher education. The ministers also discussed cooperation between institutions such as the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), along with their Bangladeshi counterparts, to share expertise in digital governance, data systems and institutional capacity building.
Bangladesh PM-to-be Tarique Rahman and lawmakers sworn into parliament
Opportunities in SMEs and cottage industries were discussed, with a focus on leveraging combined populations to increase competitiveness in global markets for technology-driven services, manufacturing, and goods production. Expanding direct flights and improving connectivity were also highlighted to facilitate trade, tourism, business engagement and people-to-people contact.
Iqbal suggested reviving the Iqbal Academy and proposed joint celebrations of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary next year as a symbol of shared cultural and intellectual heritage. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and working together for regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.