Dhaka: Bangladesh will receive its first direct rice shipment from Pakistan in over five decades, marking the revival of bilateral trade between the two nations. The 25,000-tonne consignment is expected to arrive at Chittagong Port on March 3, Bangladesh’s food ministry confirmed on Sunday.
This development follows improving diplomatic ties since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. Under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh has strengthened engagement with Pakistan, with Yunus meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif twice in recent months.
Strategic Trade Shift Amid Changing Alliances
During Hasina’s 15-year rule, Bangladesh maintained strained relations with Pakistan while fostering close ties with India. However, after her exile last year following a student-led uprising, relations with India have cooled, prompting Bangladesh to explore new trade partners.
International relations expert Amena Mohsin sees this trade revival as a crucial shift:
“We always diversify our relationships, but right now, we are at a low point with India. In this context, importing rice from Pakistan is very significant.”
Addressing Food Security & Expanding Trade Horizons
Bangladesh is facing a rice crisis due to floods and economic instability, making diversified imports essential. Until now, it primarily sourced rice from India.
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, a research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, welcomed this shift:
“Finding a new source for rice imports is positive. Now, Bangladeshi businesses can explore Pakistan’s markets for other trade opportunities.”
This trade breakthrough follows the historic first Pakistani cargo ship docking in Bangladesh in November 2024, opening direct maritime trade routes after decades of separation.
As Bangladesh diversifies its trade, this renewed economic partnership with Pakistan could pave the way for broader commercial exchanges beyond agriculture.
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