Pakistan High Commissioner's exclusive interview

Following Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, it wasn't until 1974 when the Islamic Republic of Pakistan formally recognised and established diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. However, the two countries bilateral ties, entailed by a bitter past has often faced challenges. Yet, the diplomatic ties were never severed. Most importantly, the two countries bilateral relations are currently at an all-time low and despite all -- the Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh, His Excellency Mr Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Observer's Shahriar Feroze, sharing many of his opinions concerning the two countries current relations.

Daily Observer: It has been a little over a year that you have been stationed as the Pakistan Envoy to Bangladesh, how would you describe your overall experience?
Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui: Actually, this is the second time I have been posted to this beautiful country some 14 months ago. Earlier, I served in the High Commission of Pakistan as Counsellor from October 2002 to January 2006. Bangladesh has a very special place in my heart. I have some very deep familial links with this country. My grandfather Chowdhury Khaliquzzaman served as Governor of the East Bengal in the early 50s and lived in Bangabhaban which used to be the Governor House at that time. On many occasions when I visit Bangabhaban it reminds me of my grandfather, although when he was here I was not even born. Interestingly, my father-in-law and uncle who belonged to the erstwhile CSP batches of 1960 and 1964 respectively started their careers from here.  My overall experience since I have arrived in Bangladesh has been very rewarding. I find the people of Bangladesh very forthcoming toward Pakistan. I have been able to strike a chord of understanding and friendship with Bangladeshi people, especially the young generation. Since my arrival in Dhaka, I have organized a number of cultural events, prominent being Pohla Boisakh, to express our solidarity with Bangladesh and its beautiful people. Since I am very fond of art and culture myself I feel that Bangladesh is just the right place for me to nourish my artistic penchant.

DO: Currently, the bilateral ties between the two countries are not very good as compared to many of the previous years since Bangladesh's independence. How do you feel about it?
RS: Indeed there are some challenges in our relations with Bangladesh; however, being an optimist, I am confident that with sincerity on both sides we will be able to overcome difficulties in our bilateral relations. My meeting with the Honourable Prime Minister nearly two months ago has further strengthened this resolve/optimism.

DO: What factors, according to you are affecting the two countries bilateral ties?
RS: I would not like to go into the specifics which are impacting our bilateral ties. Nonetheless, I would like to reiterate that our relations with Bangladesh would improve because being part of the same region both our countries cannot afford to stay away from each other for long.

DO: How sincere is the current Pakistan political leadership in terms of taking the Bangladesh-Pakistan relations to the next level?
RS: Leadership of our country is extremely keen on improving bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a very productive meeting with with Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu in November 2014. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations, briefed each other on internal political developments in their respective countries and agreed to a forward looking relationship with each other.
A few days back Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan H E Mr Tarik Ahsan called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi last month. During the meeting issues of bilateral interest were discussed. Prime Minister Abbasi urged the need of holding the long awaited bilateral political consultations at the Foreign Secretary level in Dhaka soon. We are expecting that 6th round of Foreign Secretary level talks will take place in Dhaka soon.

DO: The Pakistan government has invited and taken a number of Bangladesh journalists for short trips in the past as a part of a goodwill gesture and a relation building process between the two countries. Has it been useful in meeting that purpose?
RS: As part of Special Assistance Programme for South Asia (SAPSA), Pakistan invites Bangladeshi journalist, students, teachers, artists to visit Pakistan on annual basis. In my view, this exercise helps immensely in bringing our two peoples closer to each other and also helps in clearing the misperceptions about each other. I am confident that these visits would help not only in bringing our two peoples together, but will also help take the bilateral relations between the two countries on a higher plane.

DO: Over the past years trade and commercial ties between the two countries have declined significantly. What do you think are the reasons? Is it possible to change the low trend in businesses between the two countries?
RS: Commercial ties between the two countries had generally been affected by a slow paced development in trade diplomacy since last few years. Besides issues of non-tariff barriers, including visa issues to Pakistani businessmen hinder commercial contacts between our two countries.  
Despite problems in trade relations, Pakistani and Bangladeshi entrepreneurs continue to participate in annual exhibitions/trade fairs like Dhaka Trade Fair and Expo Pakistan. Recently, our Commercial Secretary took a delegation from Bangladesh comprising businessmen, representative of trade bodies and a journalist to Expo Pakistan held on 9-12 November 2017 at Karachi.
It is hoped that the bilateral and trade relations will get a boost in the near future through effective trade diplomacy and more efforts for relaxation of business visas by the Bangladeshi side.

DO: Pakistan has been rather vocal and has taken a clear stance about the ongoing Rohingya crisis. How do you see it? What's your opinion on it?
RS: My government appreciates the government of Bangladesh in going out of its way in accommodating the growing influx of refugees coming from Myanmar. We are deeply concerned on the reports of growing number of deaths and forced displacement of Rohingya Muslims. It has urged authorities in Myanmar to investigate reports of massacre, hold those involved accountable and take necessary measures to protect Rohingya Muslims. Pakistan resolves to work with the international community in particular the OIC to express solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims and to work towards safeguarding their rights.
During the recent visit of Parliamentary delegation from Pakistan to participate in the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), leader of the Pakistan delegation Dr Nafisa Shah appreciated the efforts of the government of Bangladesh for accommodating Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds. Dr Shah had an opportunity to interact with Bangladesh's parliamentarians and the country's leadership as well. During the Conference, Pakistan supported the resolution on the Rohingya refugees issue tabled by Bangladesh. However, the resolution could not be adopted owing to Commonwealth rules/procedures. Pakistan stands ready to support the government of Bangladesh in offering relief assistance to the Rohingya refugees.

DO: Quite often we notice a number of uncalled for issues erupting over the media and social media about the portrayal of Bangladesh in and out of Pakistan. What do you think is behind this?
RS: Since I am extremely optimistic about improvement in our relations with Dhaka, therefore, I do not really subscribe to the issues that intermittently pop up in the social media. In this age of freedom of expression people come up with their own interpretations, right or wrong. However, we may not subscribe to their views.

DO: Thank you, His Excellency.

The interviewer is Assistant Editor of the Daily Observer