ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in combating drug smuggling, narcotics trafficking and drug abuse, with both sides agreeing to boost security ties.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Salahuddin Ahmed, in Dhaka, where the two sides signed the agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Naqvi signed on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, while Ahmed signed on behalf of the Bangladeshi government.
“Under the MoU, both countries will fully cooperate to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be made to eliminate the growing trend of drug use in society and counter its negative impacts, while a joint strategy will be formulated to disrupt the illegal sale and supply lines of narcotics,” it said.
The statement further added that the relevant agencies of both countries would also exchange timely information regarding drug smugglers and networks, and would share training of personnel, use of modern technology, and best practices for narcotics prevention.
“The two interior ministers also agreed to establish a secretary-level joint working group between the two interior ministries to take cooperation forward,” said the statement.
Further, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, internal security, and training of civil armed forces.
“Discussions were also held on increasing cooperation in counterterrorism and the prevention of human smuggling, with the interior ministers agreeing on joint measures to address the matter,” it added.
According to MOI, detailed discussions were also held on enhancing mutual cooperation regarding cybercrimes, organised crimes, and financial fraud, as well as cooperation in training programmes for officers at police academies.
Naqvi also offered full cooperation to his Bangladeshi counterpart in the Safe City project. “We will support the Government of Bangladesh in every aspect regarding the Safe City project,” he said.
Naqvi also extended an invitation for Ahmed to visit Pakistan. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Saem, Cabinet Secretary Naseem Ghani, Interior Secretary Manzoor Choudhury, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.
The development came against the backdrop of a broader recalibration in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have shown signs of gradual transformation after decades of limited engagement, particularly in the defence and security domain.
While Bangladesh’s relations with India, traditionally its closest regional partner, have remained strained amid political and strategic differences, Dhaka has quietly explored new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.
Recent months have seen an uptick in diplomatic contacts and defence-related engagements, signalling a more pragmatic approach on both sides.
In January, Pakistan and Bangladesh took another step towards deepening defence cooperation as a high-level Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) delegation, led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters with discussions also covering the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.
Earlier, in February, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rehman discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
In August of 2025, the two countries signed several agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, diplomacy, media, education and cultural exchanges, marking a significant step in efforts to reset relations after years of strained ties.
