ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials have discussed expanding cooperation in overseas employment and human resource development, the Pakistani information ministry said on Sunday, amid warming relations between the two countries.
The statement followed a meeting between Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Dr. Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue 2026.
It comes amid Islamabad’s efforts to rebuild relations with Bangladesh since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, with both countries looking to strengthen institutional linkages and share expertise to improve skills training and workforce mobility.
Pakistani officials at the meeting briefed on the role and initiatives of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), while the Bangladeshi side shared insights into the operational framework of its Technical Training Centers.
“The two sides exchanged views on shared challenges faced by their overseas labor force and discussed best practices in skills development and training for expatriate workers,” the Pakistani information ministry said.
“Both sides expressed keen interest in learning from each other’s experiences and best practices in human resource development and labor export, including recruitment processes, skills training, and reintegration mechanisms for returning workers.”
Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that long cast a shadow over bilateral ties. Both countries have moved closer since August 2024, following the ouster of Hasina who was considered an India ally.
As Pakistan-Bangladesh ties warm up, relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained strained over India’s decision to grant asylum to Hasina.
Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials also explored avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, health, tourism and trade.
“Both sides expressed their commitment to continued engagement and constructive dialogue to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest,” the Pakistani information ministry added.
