First-Ever Direct Maritime Link Between Pakistan and Bangladesh: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations?
On November 13, a cargo ship from Karachi arrived at Chattogram port, marking the first direct maritime connection between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The historic development, hailed by Pakistan’s High Commission in Dhaka as “a major step in bilateral trade,” holds profound implications for the historically strained relationship between the two South Asian nations.
This event is the culmination of shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics, as well as changes in domestic politics in both countries. It comes at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing significant political transformation following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. However, the road to fostering deeper ties is fraught with historical baggage, particularly the unhealed wounds of the 1971 Liberation War.
The Shadow of 1971
The relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh has long been overshadowed by the events of 1971. The nine-month-long Mukti Juddho (Liberation War) led to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan but at an enormous human and emotional cost. During the war, the Pakistani military and its local collaborators were responsible for widespread atrocities, including the massacre of an estimated three million people, the rape of countless women, and the displacement of millions.
The memories of these events remain a deeply ingrained part of Bangladesh’s national consciousness. Pakistan has never issued a formal apology or expressed regret for its actions during the war, a fact that continues to strain diplomatic relations.
As Bangladeshi-American political scientist Ali Riaz pointed out in 2021, “A better relationship [between the two countries] requires Pakistan’s initiative to address the 1971 war, especially the genocide perpetrated by the army… [an] unconditional public apology from Pakistan is long overdue … No nation can move forward without confronting its dark past.”
Pakistan, however, has consistently refrained from acknowledging its role in the atrocities. Instead, successive governments in Islamabad have downplayed the genocide and shifted the narrative, framing the Liberation War as an Indian conspiracy designed to fragment Pakistan. This perspective, propagated by the powerful Pakistani military, portrays the conflict as a geopolitical manoeuvre rather than a popular uprising for self-determination.
Politics and History: An Uneasy Coexistence
For Bangladesh, the legacy of the Liberation War has been a cornerstone of its political identity. Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government, which ruled the country for over a decade until this year, placed significant emphasis on honoring the memory of 1971. War crimes trials and commemorations have been key aspects of her administration’s policies, reinforcing the emotional and political significance of the Liberation War.
However, Hasina’s departure from power in August has opened the door for potential shifts in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Analysts suggest that the change in leadership could soften Dhaka’s stance towards Islamabad, creating space for dialogue and cooperation. This political transition might explain the timing of the historic maritime link.
For Pakistan, establishing stronger trade and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh could be part of a broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. Facing internal challenges such as political instability and economic hardship, Pakistan may view improved relations with Bangladesh as a way to bolster its standing in South Asia.
Economic Imperatives Driving Engagement
Beyond the historical and political complexities, economic factors are likely driving the new maritime connection. Trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh has historically been limited, with goods routed through third countries due to the absence of direct shipping links. Establishing this direct route could significantly reduce costs and transit times, benefiting businesses in both nations.
Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh, primarily textiles and agricultural products have the potential to grow with easier access to Bangladeshi markets. Similarly, Bangladesh, as one of the world’s largest exporters of ready-made garments, could benefit from importing raw materials from Pakistan. Enhanced trade ties could provide much-needed economic relief to both countries, especially as they grapple with global economic challenges.
Challenges to Reconciliation
While the direct maritime link represents a step forward, achieving meaningful reconciliation between Pakistan and Bangladesh remains a formidable challenge. The lack of a formal apology from Pakistan for the events of 1971 continues to be a major sticking point. For many in Bangladesh, any engagement with Pakistan is seen through the lens of history, making trust-building an uphill task.
Moreover, Pakistan’s internal political dynamics complicate the prospect of an apology or a significant policy shift regarding its 1971 legacy. The country’s powerful military establishment has historically used anti-India rhetoric and the narrative of 1971 as tools to maintain its influence. Acknowledging past atrocities would require both political will and courage, which have been in short supply among Pakistan’s civilian and military leaders.
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s domestic political landscape also influences its foreign policy decisions. While Sheikh Hasina’s government emphasized justice for the crimes of 1971, future administrations may adopt a more pragmatic approach to relations with Pakistan, prioritizing economic and strategic interests over historical grievances.
Regional Implications
The direct maritime link between Karachi and Chattogram also holds regional significance. South Asia is becoming an increasingly important arena for economic and geopolitical competition in an era of shifting global power dynamics. Improved relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh could enhance regional cooperation and connectivity, contributing to broader initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and India’s Act East Policy.
However, this development is unlikely to go unnoticed by other regional players, particularly India. New Delhi has traditionally been a close ally of Dhaka and played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s independence. Any significant warming of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could prompt strategic recalibrations in India’s foreign policy.
A Step Forward, But a Long Journey Ahead
The docking of the Karachi cargo ship at Chattogram port is symbolic, signalling the possibility of a new chapter in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. While economic cooperation offers a pragmatic pathway for engagement, addressing the historical wounds of 1971 remains essential for building a sustainable and meaningful relationship.
For both nations, the challenge lies in balancing the imperatives of economic growth and regional stability with the enduring weight of history. The coming years will reveal whether this maritime connection can pave the way for genuine reconciliation or remain a pragmatic yet limited engagement between two estranged neighbours.
