Yunus, Shehbaz discuss trade, economy at UNGA

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with the discussions centred on strengthening trade and economic relations. This marked their second encounter, following a similar meeting during last year’s UNGA, indicating closer ties between Dhaka and Islamabad after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024. During Hasina’s 15-year tenure, relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan were strained due to unresolved issues dating back to the 1971 Liberation War, including Pakistan’s role in the genocide, repatriation of stranded citizens, and return of assets. Since the Yunus-led interim government assumed power, diplomatic engagement has seen a notable increase. Last month, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka — the first senior-level visit in 13 years — though his statement that the genocide issue had been “resolved” was quickly refuted by Bangladesh. In addition to meeting Sharif, Yunus also held separate discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. Officials said both Finland and Italy voiced support for a democratic transition in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Yunus is facing mounting political instability at home, as factions that previously backed the removal of the Awami League are now fragmenting ahead of the 2026 national elections. @@@