EXPANDING DIPLOMATIC SPACE FOR PAKISTAN IN BANGLADESH FOLLOWING SHEIKH HASINA’S OUSTER: OPPORTUNITIES, CONSTRAINTS, AND REGIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The political transition following Sheikh Hasina’s departure from office in August 2024 created new opportunities for Pakistan to recalibrate and potentially expand its bilateral engagement with Bangladesh. This study examines the opportunities, constrains, and broader regional implications of the following Pakistan-Bangladesh relationship in the post-Hasina period. The research uses a descriptive-analytical method based on information from other sources and content analysis. The study uses the ideas of Regional Security Complex Theory, Balance of Power and Soft Power. The findings indicate that the post-Hasina political environment has generated opportunities for enhanced diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity. However, the historical legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, Bangladesh’s enduring strategic relationship with India, and continuing domestic political developments remain important constraints on deeper bilateral engagement. The competition between countries in the region are still big problem. The study says that the chance for Pakistan to have a relationship with Bangladesh mainly shows that Bangladesh is trying to have more choices in its foreign policy not that Bangladesh is changing its main strategy to be closer to Pakistan.