Pakistan, Bangladesh sign landmark anti-narcotics pact to deepen security cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation against drug trafficking, narcotics abuse, terrorism, and organised crime, marking another significant step in improving ties between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Dhaka, where he held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Salahuddin Ahmed, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior.

Under the MoU, both countries agreed to enhance cooperation to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics, while launching joint efforts to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and minimise its harmful social impacts.

The two sides also decided to formulate a joint strategy to dismantle narcotics supply and trafficking networks. Relevant agencies from both countries will exchange timely intelligence and information regarding traffickers and organised criminal groups involved in the drug trade.

The ministry said Pakistan and Bangladesh would also cooperate in the training of anti-narcotics personnel, sharing modern technology and best practices for narcotics prevention and law enforcement.

During the meeting, Naqvi also offered Pakistan’s full support to Bangladesh regarding the Safe City project.

“We will support the government of Bangladesh in the project in every possible way,” the minister was quoted as saying.

According to the interior ministry, both countries agreed to further expand cooperation in bilateral relations, internal security, counter-terrorism, and the training of civil armed forces. Discussions also covered joint measures to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, organised crime, and financial fraud.

The ministers exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in police training programmes and strengthening institutional coordination between law enforcement agencies.

Naqvi invited his Bangladeshi counterpart to visit Pakistan, while Ahmed thanked Islamabad for extending cooperation on the Safe City initiative.

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained strained during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. However, ties between the two countries have improved significantly following her removal from power and subsequent exile.

In recent months, diplomatic engagements between Islamabad and Dhaka have increased. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal attended the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier this year, while National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq visited Dhaka in December for the funeral of former Bangladeshi premier Khaleda Zia.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had also travelled to Dhaka in August 2025, where he met interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus.