Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to resolve longstanding issues stemming from the 1971 Liberation War to pave the way for improved relations between Dhaka and Islamabad.
"The issues have kept coming again and again. Let's settle those issues for us to move forward," Yunus said during their meeting at a hotel in Cairo on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit on Thursday.
In response, Sharif said the 1974 tripartite agreement involving Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India settled things, "but if there are other outstanding issues," he would be happy to look at them.
Professor Yunus said it would be nice to resolve things "once and for all for the future generations."
During the discussion, Professor Yunus and Prime Minister Sharif agreed to enhance bilateral relations through increased trade, commerce, and the exchange of cultural and sports delegations. They also explored cooperation in new areas, including the sugar industry and dengue management.
Sharif offered technical support for Bangladesh’s state-run sugar mills and proposed sharing Pakistan’s expertise in combating dengue outbreaks. "Our fight against dengue in Punjab about a decade ago was hailed as world-class. We can send a delegation to Bangladesh to share our experience," Sharif said.
Professor Yunus welcomed the offer and expressed hope that the two nations would continue collaborative efforts to strengthen ties.
The leaders also discussed the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with Professor Yunus reiterating his commitment to reactivating the regional organization. "I want a summit of SAARC leaders, even if it’s only for a photo session, as it would send a powerful message," Yunus remarked.
Sharif expressed his support for the initiative and lauded Yunus’s efforts to revive SAARC.
Professor Yunus briefed Sharif on his government’s plans for essential political reforms and the organization of general elections by mid-2026. He mentioned the establishment of a consensus-building commission to facilitate dialogue on these reforms.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Professor Yunus’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi were present during the meeting. Siddiqi invited Foreign Minister Dar to visit Bangladesh in February en route to Malaysia, an invitation Dar accepted.
Prime Minister Sharif also extended an invitation to Professor Yunus to visit Pakistan at his convenience.
