Bangladesh, Pakistan Strengthen Ties with Direct Flights and Fighter Jet Deal, Amid Shift in Regional Dynamics

Bangladesh is set to resume direct flights with Pakistan after a decade-long hiatus, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines launching non-stop services to Karachi from January 29. The resumption of flights is a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations, which have grown closer since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh in August 2024. The flights will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, and will not take the shortest route through India, as Bangladesh has not secured necessary clearance from New Delhi for overflight permissions. The airline has stated that the flights will depart from Dhaka at 8:00 pm local time and arrive in Karachi at 11:00 pm, with the return flight departing Karachi at midnight and arriving in Dhaka at 4:20 am. In a separate development, Pakistan is set to offer its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Bangladesh, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by China and Pakistan. The deal, which was discussed during a meeting between the air chiefs of the two countries, includes the sale of JF-17s as well as the provision of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft and long-term support. The strengthening of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh comes amid a shift in regional dynamics, with both countries looking to deepen their defense cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership. The move is seen as a significant geopolitical realignment in South Asia, with Pakistan already in talks with Azerbaijan and finalizing a $4 billion deal with the Libyan National Army to supply JF-17s. The resumption of direct flights and the fighter jet deal are seen as a major boost to the ties between the two countries, which have grown closer since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh in August 2024. The development is expected to have significant implications for regional politics and security dynamics.