Bangladesh-Pakistan
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ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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Pakistan's Tapmad enters Bangladesh market with Grameenphone
Tapmad is partnering with Grameenphone to offer sports content
Web Desk
October 13, 2025
A screenshot from the official Tapmad website
One of Pakistan’s online video streaming or OTT platforms, tapmad, has signed a partnership with Grameenphone, one of Bangladesh’s telecommunications operators, to offer sports content in the South Asian country.
Tapmad’s sports lineup includes rights to major global events such as the English Premier League, Asia Cup, MMA, and PFL, alongside upcoming international cricket tours. Soomro noted that rights, privacy, and capital remain key barriers to entry in the OTT sector, factors that Tapmad had to navigate.
According to a press release issued Monday, Grameenphone users in Bangladesh can now access tapmad’s catalogue of live sports and on-demand entertainment through the MyGP app, tapmad app, or the tapmad website. Subscriptions can be activated using mobile balance, with weekly and monthly packages designed for local audiences.
“This partnership is a significant step in extending tapmad’s footprint beyond Pakistan,” said Yassir Pasha, CEO of tapmad, according to the press release. “After achieving tremendous growth at home, we’re thrilled to bring our world-class streaming experience to Bangladesh.”
Ramiz Ahmed Soomro, VOD at Tapmad, told The Express Tribune, that the platform is pursuing a combination of subscriptions, strategic partnerships, and sales. “Our ad-free experience is our unique selling point,” Soomro said. “We’re sports-focused, and we see ourselves as not just a streaming company, but as promoters of sports culture in Pakistan.”
He added that Tapmad has already produced original sports-based content, including a series aimed at revitalizing national interest in hockey, as part of its broader mission to support local sports.
In Bangladesh, only sports content is being shown right now.
Grameenphone’s Head of Digital Platform, Payment & Partnership, Zahiduz Zaman, said the collaboration supports the telecom company's push for next-generation digital experiences.
Aly Rana, COO of Tapmad, said Bangladesh is a “fast-growing market”. “Our goal is to bring an international streaming experience that feels local, built around the needs, interests, and viewing habits of Bangladeshi audiences.”
Tapmad's competition comes from platforms such as Tamashaa, Myco, and BJ Sports. Tapmad is owned by tapmad Holdings Pte. Ltd. through its operating company in Pakistan, Pi Pakistan Pvt. Ltd.
OTT platforms started in the early 2000s as high-speed internet and streaming technology took off.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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News DeskOctober 17, 2025
Washington: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held an important meeting with the Special Representative of the Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Lutfi Y. Siddiqui. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to promote regional economic cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Referring to the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan to Dhaka in August 2025, the Finance Minister said that the two countries need to explore new opportunities for mutual cooperation. He emphasized the leadership of the private sector to achieve sustainable economic growth and said that the responsibility of the public sector is to provide a conducive environment for investment and innovation.
In the meeting, both sides agreed to increase cooperation in the IT sector, describing it as a game changer. The Finance Minister said that the IT sector has great potential to create quality employment opportunities for educated youth.
Muhammad Aurangzeb also emphasized the need for knowledge exchange and mutual capacity building between the two countries, so that the journey of development can be taken forward together.
Al-Zakir
INT'L MOD
Pakistan proposed Bangladesh to use Karachi Port to connect with China. Good gesture from Pakistan and Bangladesh should gladly accept it.
www.tbsnews.net
Pakistan proposes use of Karachi Port for Bangladesh-China trade
Dhaka meeting on 27 Oct likely to decide on maritime, trade cooperation
LeonBlack08
INT'L MOD
Pakistan proposed Bangladesh to use Karachi Port to connect with China. Good gesture from Pakistan and Bangladesh should gladly accept it.
Pakistan proposes use of Karachi Port for Bangladesh-China trade
Dhaka meeting on 27 Oct likely to decide on maritime, trade cooperation
Good gesture but doesn't make sense economically for Bangladesh though. The Chinese industrial hub is on the east Coast and Bangladesh is close in proximity to Chinese coast.
MNZGamerX
Registered Member
After top Pakistan Army general, two federal ministers fly into Dhaka from Islamabad today
Federal Ministers Asad Khan Cheema and Ali Pervaiz Malik will hold inter-ministerial and bureaucratic-level talks with their Bangladeshi counterparts over the next four days
by Chandan Nandy October 26, 2025
Close on the arrival of a top Pakistan Army general to Dhaka on October 24, two federal ministers landed in the Bangladeshi capital today, reflecting the continuing deepening in ties on the security and commercial fronts, between the once-estranged countries.
While General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan is being accorded the highest honour by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim regime as well as Bangladesh’s armed forces, the arrival of Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, and Ali Pervaiz Malik Federal Minister for Energy and Petroleum did not receive as much media attention as that of the top Pakistan Army officer.
Cheema is leading a nine-member delegation of senior officers and Malik is heading a six-member strong team of bureaucrats. Both sides will hold separate ministerial and official level discussions with their Bangladeshi counterparts.
Previously, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was on a two-day visit to Bangladesh in the third week of August.
On August 21, Pakistan Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reached Bangladesh for a four-day official visit.
Four memoranda of understanding were signed between Khan and his Sheikh Bashir Uddin who is the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry Adviser.
Despite the frequent visits of senior Pakistan Army officers, ministers and bureaucrats to Bangladesh, there has been little or no reaction from the Indian External Affairs ministry which has been found wanting in formulating any cohesive diplomatic response to the growing and deepening ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, especially since August 8, 2024, when Mohammad Yunus took charge as Chief Adviser of an interim government.
The Bangladesh government and the armed forces have not shied away from projecting and publicising the visits of the Pakistani guests.
Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, was the first senior Bangladesh Army officer to visit Pakistan in early January 2025.
This was followed later the same month with the arrival in Dhaka of a three-member Pakistan ISI team led by a major general.
In April, Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Aamna Baloch, visited Dhaka on April 16 for a two-day visit to hold consultations with her the then counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin, as well as Foreign Ministry Adviser Touhid Hussein. This meeting took place after a gap of 15 years.
nenews.in
Federal Ministers Asad Khan Cheema and Ali Pervaiz Malik will hold inter-ministerial and bureaucratic-level talks with their Bangladeshi counterparts over the next four days
by Chandan Nandy October 26, 2025
Close on the arrival of a top Pakistan Army general to Dhaka on October 24, two federal ministers landed in the Bangladeshi capital today, reflecting the continuing deepening in ties on the security and commercial fronts, between the once-estranged countries.
While General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan is being accorded the highest honour by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim regime as well as Bangladesh’s armed forces, the arrival of Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, and Ali Pervaiz Malik Federal Minister for Energy and Petroleum did not receive as much media attention as that of the top Pakistan Army officer.
Cheema is leading a nine-member delegation of senior officers and Malik is heading a six-member strong team of bureaucrats. Both sides will hold separate ministerial and official level discussions with their Bangladeshi counterparts.
Previously, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was on a two-day visit to Bangladesh in the third week of August.
On August 21, Pakistan Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reached Bangladesh for a four-day official visit.
Four memoranda of understanding were signed between Khan and his Sheikh Bashir Uddin who is the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry Adviser.
Despite the frequent visits of senior Pakistan Army officers, ministers and bureaucrats to Bangladesh, there has been little or no reaction from the Indian External Affairs ministry which has been found wanting in formulating any cohesive diplomatic response to the growing and deepening ties between Islamabad and Dhaka, especially since August 8, 2024, when Mohammad Yunus took charge as Chief Adviser of an interim government.
The Bangladesh government and the armed forces have not shied away from projecting and publicising the visits of the Pakistani guests.
Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, was the first senior Bangladesh Army officer to visit Pakistan in early January 2025.
This was followed later the same month with the arrival in Dhaka of a three-member Pakistan ISI team led by a major general.
In April, Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Aamna Baloch, visited Dhaka on April 16 for a two-day visit to hold consultations with her the then counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin, as well as Foreign Ministry Adviser Touhid Hussein. This meeting took place after a gap of 15 years.
After top Pakistan Army general, two federal ministers fly into Dhaka from Islamabad today
Close on the arrival of a top Pakistan Army general to Dhaka on October 24, two federal ministers landed in
nenews.in
SoulSpokesman
Trusted Member
@LeonBlack08
Good gesture but doesn't make sense economically for Bangladesh though.
I am afraid that on the economic front, good gestures are realistically all that you can expect from Pakistan.
Regards
Good gesture but doesn't make sense economically for Bangladesh though.
I am afraid that on the economic front, good gestures are realistically all that you can expect from Pakistan.
Regards
hasssanali8998
Elite Member
hydrabadi_arab
Trusted Member
Pakistan and Bangladesh Launch Direct Shipping Link to Boost Trade
By Manik Aftab ⏐ 1 day ago ⏐In a major development for regional commerce, Pakistan and Bangladesh have launched a direct shipping service that reduces the delivery time for goods from 23 days to just 10 days. The update was shared by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a written reply to the National Assembly, where he outlined notable gains in trade cooperation since the interim government took office.
Dar explained that the shorter delivery timeline will cut costs and improve overall logistical performance. He also confirmed that Bangladesh has scrapped the 100 percent inspection requirement for Pakistani exports at its ports, effective September 29, 2024. The foreign minister called the decision a breakthrough in trade facilitation, saying it will strengthen trust and ease customs delays, allowing Pakistani products to become more competitive in the Bangladeshi market.
The written reply further noted that the 9th Joint Economic Session took place in Dhaka on October 27, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment and connectivity. Under an agreement reached in January 2025, Pakistan exported 50,000 metric tons of rice to Bangladesh from a 200,000 metric ton commitment, with more shipments planned in the months ahead.
Dar added that more than 200 Pakistani companies took part in the Dhaka International Trade Fair and the Bangladesh Denim Expo, demonstrating Pakistan’s growing participation in Bangladesh’s textile and manufacturing sectors.
To complement the new shipping route, both countries are also working on establishing direct air travel. Bangladesh has authorized two Pakistani private airlines to operate flights between the two nations, and discussions are ongoing to finalize routes and scheduling to support business and tourism.
Pakistan and Bangladesh Launch Direct Shipping Link to Boost Trade
Direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong cuts delivery time from 23 to 10 days as both countries expand trade and connectivity plans.
www.techjuice.pk
hydrabadi_arab
Trusted Member
Dhaka proposes 5th Freedom Flight
Envoys highlight trade avenues, call for moving beyond 1971 to boost tiesShazia Tasneem FarooqiNovember 11, 20254 min read
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Bangladesh could benefit from Fifth Freedom Flight arrangement, encouraging international airlines to operate routes between the two countries as part of extended services. Envoys suggest involving external players in such arrangements could help establish direct air connectivity, boost trade, diplomacy and people-to-people ties.
In a candid dialogue with The Express Tribune, Climate Advisor to Bangladesh Government Syeda Rizwana Hasan, High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan and Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to UN ESCAP Faiyaz Murshid Kazi reflected unmistakable optimism surrounding Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. The sentiment is rooted in mutual respect, shared history and growing recognition of economic and cultural complementarities.
They underscored the importance of moving beyond past narratives, focusing instead on practical steps to deepen collaboration in trade, connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges. There was warmth and forward-looking confidence throughout the interaction. The tone conveyed goodwill and genuine eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties.
Direct flights
Climate advisor stated that Dhaka is trying to expand fleet for national air carrier, Bangladesh Biman Airlines, to minimise travel difficulties without a direct air link. Endorsing her views, Kazi highlighted that Bangladesh Biman or private airlines lack sufficient fleets. Some are struggling, and only a few survive domestic and international competition.
The high commissioner suggested encouraging external players to use Fifth Freedom Flight and help establish air connectivity. He cited airlines from the UAE or China, which have regular flights to both countries. "If we could encourage them to establish direct connectivity, that could be helpful," he said. Kazi reaffirmed political will at his country's side whilst citing logistical challenges as one major hurdle. Pakistan's debt situation and banking sector reforms in Bangladesh remain key constraints. However, he stressed reconnecting business communities to reassess opportunities and rebuild confidence, rather than waiting for financial conditions to stabilise fully.
"Cleaning the financial sector at both ends would allow business to be incentivised and explore opportunities we have," Kazi remarked.
"For Bangladesh, Pakistan is a wider gateway to Central Asia, Middle East and other countries. Similarly, Bangladesh could be an opening for Pakistan to Northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan and Southeast Asian countries. We have to take that broader outlook and recalibrate our investment decisions," he said.
Bilateral contacts
About recent bilateral contacts and engagements including at the highest political level, encompassing civilian and military leaderships, Kazi said these interactions are good signs for resuming bilateral economic cooperation. "Obviously the priority is to revive trade, investment and connectivity linkages."
Kazi cited that currently, trade between the two countries is limited to traditional items. But there is scope for enhancing such trade. Bangladesh has a good pharmaceutical industry and can offer affordable pharmaceutical products to Pakistan. "We also have a growing electronics sector."
Similarly, Pakistan has competitive strength in products like sports goods and medical equipment that Bangladesh can rely upon.
Additionally, there can be mutual investment on both sides. There have been Pakistani investments in Bangladesh, especially in readymade garments, but opportunities exist for more. He cited agri-processing as a focus of mutual interest due to high populations on both sides. Both countries have growing middle classes that would trigger foodstuff requirements. "If we invest in each other's locations, in respective areas of competence, that can be win-win. In Bangladesh, we have sufficient growth in inland fisheries."
Kazi proposed that fish can be a good protein source for Pakistan's population. Pakistan can consider investing in Bangladesh's fisheries sector, including marine fishing, with buyback arrangements where Pakistani investors invest in Bangladesh and buy back products.
"We remain a rice-importing country, and Pakistan can be a good source of rice and other agricultural products. Investment would be a priority."
Trade route and connectivity
The envoy emphasised air connectivity as crucial to resume direct flights between Dhaka-Islamabad and Dhaka-Karachi. Trading perishable agricultural goods requires air cargo. "It's not just about passengers, but cargo freights that we need," Kazi remarked.
He identified shipping connectivity as another important area. Pakistan has state-of-the-art port facilities. In Bangladesh, authorities are investing in enhancing Chittagong port. A deep-sea port is being developed in Matharbari. "Direct shipping lanes should be helpful."
Bangladesh can offer Pakistan broader access to Southeast Asia and Far East. Similarly, Pakistan can be a gateway for Bangladesh to Central Asia, Middle East and Africa. Both sides need to leverage strategic locations on the Indian Ocean and support each other in expanding trade.
Embers of a common fire
The envoy drew a picture of huge populations and diverse emotions. "Pakistan is 200 million plus people. We are 180 million plus. There will be different views and opinions. And there is probably nothing bad about that. However, that's the job of our leaders and politicians to synthesise the narrative rather than creating a divisive narrative."
He noted civilisational linkages, cultural exchanges and religious affinities that Bangladesh shares with Pakistan. "Yes, there have been certain moments in our history, especially in 1971, which probably still remain, but it would help younger generations on both sides to leave behind the baggage of history bequeathed by previous generations and move forward."
He emphasised the importance of reaching out to each other, noting such engagement is already taking place. He added that media, academia and other stakeholders should collectively support these efforts to strengthen bilateral understanding. Bangladesh's strong participation in the sustainability forum reflects commitment to fostering people-to-people exchanges. Such interactions help build understanding and overcome divisive forces. The ambassador concluded: "Let's learn from history. Let's try to rectify fault lines of our shared history. And then let's move forward so that harmony and solidarity rivers, not just between our two countries, but across South Asia."
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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Fazl addresses clerics in Dhaka
Kalbe Ali
November 16, 2025
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addresses the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat conference at Suhrawardy Ground in Dhaka on November 15. — Photo via X/@juipakofficial
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called for stronger ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Sunday, telling a large religious gathering that a shared “unity of faith was a stronger bond between the two nations that cannot be abolished”.
The JUI-F chief was addressing the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat conference at Suhrawardy Ground in Dhaka. “The people of Bangladesh possessed a strong and dynamic spirit of activism, but religious movements stood for continuity and stability at the ideology not violence,” he said.
Maulana Fazl emphasised that the delegation from Pakistan had not come merely to attend the event but to convey a message of goodwill from the Pakistani people to their Bangladeshi brethren. Focusing on the conference’s central theme of the finality of prophethood, Maulana Fazl underscored a core shared belief.
“We the Muslims of Pakistan and Bangladesh are part of a single Ummah,” he said, adding that scholars across the subcontinent are united in the belief that anyone claiming prophethood after Prophet Muhammad is outside the fold of Islam.
The JUI-F chief also expressed hope that the conference would serve as a catalyst for strengthening relations and cooperation across various sectors.
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