Ishaq Dar meets Jamaat, NCP leaders; stresses stronger Bangladesh-Pakistan ties

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who arrived in Dhaka this afternoon (23 August) on a two-day official visit, held meetings with leaders of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP) soon after his arrival, reports Dawn.

The meetings took place this afternoon at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.

According to the Pakistan foreign ministry, Dar first met an NCP delegation led by the party's Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

During the discussion, he praised the NCP leadership's vision for reform and social justice, stressing the importance of greater interaction between the youth of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The NCP team briefed Dar on the party's ongoing political mobilisation across Bangladesh in 2024.

The foreign ministry said both sides also explored ways to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Akhtar Hossain said, "A meeting was held between a seven-member delegation from the NCP and Ishaq Dar. We were invited by the Pakistan Embassy. We tried to present the thoughts of the people of Bangladesh.

"There is an opportunity for improvement from the hostile relationship that existed before."

He added, "We discussed issues that can be developed, including education and health. The relationship between the two countries of South Asia should be one of brotherhood, without any hegemony."

Later, the deputy premier met a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and recent regional developments.

Dar lauded the "courage and steadfastness" of Jamaat leaders and activists "in the face of hardships and difficulties," the ministry added.

Earlier at 2pm, Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on a special flight. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam welcomed him upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.