Will Muhammad Yunus Draw Bangladesh Closer to Pakistan? Surge in Defense and Trade Ties Reported

Dhaka/Islamabad: Intelligence sources indicate that Pakistan has already established an ISI cell in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, tasked with monitoring bilateral relations and expanding influence across multiple sectors. Since 2025, contacts and cooperation between the two countries have reportedly increased significantly.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power in Bangladesh. Since then, Yunus appears to be positioning the country closer to Pakistan. With national elections slated for next year, reports suggest that Yunus may finalize a major defense deal with Islamabad. Bangladesh is in advanced talks to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan. Alongside defense, economic and cultural ties between Dhaka and Islamabad have also accelerated.

According to a confidential intelligence report cited by CNN-News18, the pace of this shift intensified after Yunus appointed key advisers favoring Pakistan. Islamabad viewed the change in Dhaka as a strategic window and immediately began cultivating ties with the new government. The Pakistani military became active in Dhaka shortly after the power transition, with ISI operations reportedly ramped up.

Economic Cooperation Expands

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan has also seen substantial growth. In 2023, trade stood at approximately $1.5 billion, largely comprising cotton yarn, chemicals, and machinery exports from Pakistan. By 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh had risen to $778.11 million, reflecting a 27% increase in imports during July–September 2024 alone. Further growth was observed between August and December 2024, with annual trade increasing by an additional 20% by December 2025.

After a two-decade hiatus, the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between the two countries was revived, holding its ninth meeting in Dhaka in October 2025, signaling an intention to deepen economic collaboration.

Defense Relations Strengthen

On the military front, the partnership has also intensified. In October 2025, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, visited Dhaka and met with Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh participated in Pakistan’s AMAN-2025 naval exercises last year, and advanced negotiations are ongoing for defense acquisitions. Pakistan has proposed selling JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to the Bangladesh Air Force and offering 40,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition.

A Strategic Pivot

Experts note that Bangladesh’s growing alignment with Pakistan marks a significant departure from the India-friendly policies of the Sheikh Hasina era. Analysts now describe Dhaka as increasingly gravitating towards Islamabad, with both defense and trade playing a key role in the evolving strategic landscape.