ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has shared astriking account of the enthusiastic reception accorded to the Pakistanidelegation during his visit to Dhaka on December 31, 2025. RepresentingPakistan at the state funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister KhaledaZia, Sadiq revealed that crowds repeatedly chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” and”I Love Pakistan” upon spotting the Pakistani flag on his vehicle. Thespontaneous displays of affection occurred as the convoy made its waythrough the streets towards the funeral venue, underscoring a surprisinglevel of public goodwill towards Pakistan in the Bangladeshi capital.
The visit took place against the backdrop of heightened regional attention,as dignitaries from multiple South Asian nations converged in Dhaka for thefinal rites of Khaleda Zia, the veteran leader of the BangladeshNationalist Party who passed away at the age of 80 after a prolongedillness. Sadiq, who conveyed official condolences from the Pakistanigovernment and people to Zia’s family, noted that the reception extendedbeyond mere protocol. People along the route waved hands, offered salutes,and pressed forward despite police efforts to manage the crowds,demonstrating an emotional connection that transcended official diplomacy.
According to Sadiq’s detailed description shared in subsequent mediainterviews, the Pakistani flag served as a powerful symbol that instantlydrew positive responses from onlookers. He emphasized that these gestureswere continuous throughout the journey, with individuals attempting togreet him personally even without knowing his identity, simply recognizingPakistan’s representation. This public outpouring stood in contrast to themore formal interactions among attending delegations, highlighting thedistinction between grassroots sentiment and state-level engagements inBangladesh.
The event assumes added significance in the context of Pakistan-Bangladeshrelations, which have historically been influenced by the 1971 separationand subsequent diplomatic fluctuations. Recent years have seen efforts tostrengthen ties through trade, cultural exchanges, and mutual support ininternational forums. The warm reception in Dhaka suggests thatpeople-to-people affinity persists strongly, particularly among segments ofBangladeshi society that view Pakistan favorably. Analysts point out thatsuch spontaneous demonstrations could signal opportunities for enhancedbilateral cooperation, especially as Bangladesh navigates its politicaltransition following the ouster of the previous administration.
Sadiq’s account also gains prominence amid the broader regional dynamics ondisplay during the funeral. The presence of high-level representatives fromIndia, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka turned the occasion into amultilateral gathering. Notably, the brief handshake between Sadiq andIndian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar marked the first high-levelcontact between the two neighbors since their military conflict in May2025. While the interaction remained courteous and limited, it underscoredthe funeral’s role as a neutral venue for subtle diplomatic signaling inSouth Asia.
Beyond the immediate event, the chants and flag-waving reflect deepercultural and historical linkages between the two nations. Shared linguisticroots, Islamic heritage, and common experiences in post-colonial South Asiacontinue to foster affinity among ordinary citizens. Observers note thatdespite political narratives that have sometimes emphasized divergence,public expressions like those witnessed in Dhaka indicate an underlyingwarmth that official channels can build upon. This phenomenon aligns withoccasional reports of mutual admiration in sports, music, and family tiesacross borders.
The National Assembly Speaker described the overall experience as”remarkably enthusiastic and memorable,” suggesting that the reception lefta lasting impression on the Pakistani delegation. Such positive engagementcould encourage future parliamentary exchanges, confidence-buildingmeasures, and joint initiatives on regional issues like climate change andeconomic connectivity. In an era of geopolitical uncertainties, thesegrassroots manifestations of friendship offer a hopeful counter-narrativeto prevailing tensions.
In summary, Speaker Sadiq’s revelation illuminates an often-overlookeddimension of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, where public sentimentoccasionally outpaces formal diplomacy. The episode at Khaleda Zia’sfuneral serves as a reminder of the enduring goodwill that binds thepeoples of the two countries, potentially paving the way for reneweddialogue and cooperation in the coming years.
Here is a relevant image showing crowds waving flags in a show of support,capturing the spirit of public enthusiasm described:
Source:https://www.geo.tv/latest/642579-jaishankar-knew-what-he-was-doing-sadiq-describes-his-interaction-with-indian-fm-in-dhaka
Tags: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ayaz Sadiq, Khaleda Zia
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