Dhaka: Holders of diplomatic and official passports from Bangladesh and Pakistan will no longer need visas to travel between the two countries, officials announced on Thursday. This development marks the first time since 1971 that such an arrangement has been established.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, approved a mutual visa exemption agreement. Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary for Yunus, shared the news during a press conference in Dhaka. "The agreement will be for five years. Those who have diplomatic and official passports will be able to travel to Pakistan without a visa," Alam stated, highlighting that Bangladesh already maintains similar agreements with 31 other countries.

The agreement also allows Pakistani officials visa-free entry into Bangladesh. This decision follows a recent meeting in Dhaka between Bangladeshi Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. During the meeting, both parties discussed finalizing a memorandum of understanding for visa-on-arrival for official passport holders.

Since the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh's independence, visa-free entry between the two nations had been suspended. However, relations between Dhaka and Islamabad have seen improvement, especially after the August 2024 uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

In a related development, Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Dhaka late Wednesday for a four-day official visit from August 21 to 24. The visit aims to enhance bilateral trade ties and boost economic cooperation, according to an official statement.