Nobel Laureate and Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the importance of restoring and strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, stating that the two countries have “kept missing each other” for decades due to unresolved historical baggage and political mistrust.
Yunus made the statement during a recent international conference on South Asian cooperation, where he addressed delegates from across the region. He acknowledged the shared history, cultural links, and economic potential between the two nations, while also urging leaders from both sides to prioritize human connection over political division.
“Kept Missing Each Other”
The phrase “kept missing each other” struck an emotional chord, highlighting the diplomatic distance and absence of meaningful engagement that has persisted since the traumatic events of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Yunus’s comments come at a time when regional tensions and internal political challenges continue to hinder closer cooperation in South Asia.
“Pakistan and Bangladesh have missed too many opportunities to come together, to talk openly, and to create platforms for mutual growth,” said Yunus. “It’s time we stop dwelling on our differences and instead invest in shared goals like poverty eradication, youth development, trade, and climate resilience.”
Historical Shadows Still Linger
Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been strained since Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, following a bloody conflict that involved mass atrocities and displacement. Although Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s sovereignty, formal ties have remained distant and politically sensitive.
While both countries maintain diplomatic missions and occasionally engage through multilateral forums such as SAARC, there has been little substantive bilateral progress in terms of economic collaboration, cultural exchange, or people-to-people contact.
In recent years, attempts at re-engagement — such as high-level visits, trade talks, and student exchange proposals — have either stalled or lacked follow-through. Analysts suggest that both domestic politics and unresolved war-time grievances have played a significant role in keeping the relationship cold.
Yunus’s Vision for Reconciliation
Muhammad Yunus, who is globally respected for pioneering microfinance and his vision of social business, believes that economic cooperation and youth engagement can be the bridge that helps both countries move past political hurdles.
“Let us not allow the ghosts of the past to hold hostage the dreams of future generations. The people of Pakistan and Bangladesh have more in common than they have apart — language, culture, cuisine, values,” he said.
He suggested initiatives such as:
- Joint university programs in technology and climate studies
- Bilateral trade fairs and SME partnerships
- Cultural and literary festivals featuring artists from both countries
- Visa liberalization for business and academic purposes
Yunus also floated the idea of a Pakistan-Bangladesh Peace and Prosperity Forum, where thinkers, entrepreneurs, and young leaders from both sides could meet annually to discuss collaborative ideas.
A Regional Context
Yunus’s call for reconciliation comes at a time when South Asia is facing increasing fragmentation, with geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate challenges affecting all member nations. The decline of SAARC as a regional platform has made bilateral diplomacy more essential than ever.
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have growing economies, youthful populations, and strategic relevance in South Asia and beyond. Experts believe that stronger ties between the two could not only benefit their citizens but also help stabilize a region often plagued by mistrust and missed opportunities.
Mixed Reactions
Yunus’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions in political circles. While progressive voices in both countries welcomed the appeal for peace and cooperation, some nationalist factions expressed skepticism, citing unresolved historical issues and a lack of accountability over past actions.
However, a notable section of the youth population and civil society groups has shown enthusiasm online, calling for more student exchange programs, tech collaborations, and digital dialogue platforms between the nations.
Muhammad Yunus’s emotional yet pragmatic appeal is a reminder that nations need not remain prisoners of history. By focusing on common aspirations and economic progress, Bangladesh and Pakistan have the potential to rewrite their shared story — not with bitterness, but with understanding and vision. As Yunus aptly put it, “We have kept missing each other for too long. Now it’s time to meet halfway — with open minds and open hearts.”