The ISI chief's visit to Bangladesh after a prolonged hiatus signifies a notable change in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The recent visit of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik, to Dhaka signifies a major development in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This visit, the first by an ISI chief to Dhaka in decades, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about its implications for regional security, particularly concerning India.

The visit comes at a time when both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been drawing closer, especially following the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political landscape in both countries has seen a rise in anti-India sentiment, further driving this rapprochement. The ISI chief's visit is viewed as an effort to strengthen intelligence-sharing networks between the two countries, potentially aiming to create disturbances in India through cross-border subversive activities.

Upon his arrival in Dhaka via Dubai, Lt Gen Malik was received by Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, the Quarter Master General (QMG) of the Bangladesh Army. Rahman is known to have close ties with Islamists and Pakistan, adding another layer of complexity to the visit. The discussions during the visit are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and addressing emerging security challenges.

This visit follows a recent trip by Lt Gen SM Kamr-ul-Hassan, the principal staff officer (PSO) of the armed forces division of Bangladesh, to Islamabad. During his visit, Kamr-ul-Hassan held meetings with Pakistan's chief of army staff Gen Syed Asim Munir and chairman joint chiefs of staff committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza. Both generals emphasized the importance of a stronger defense relationship and the need for resilience against external influences, without explicitly naming India.

The renewed engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh marks a notable shift from their historically strained relationship since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. The tension between the two countries had only deepened during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year rule, which ended in August following mass protests. Since her ouster, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been edging closer, signaling a reset in their bilateral ties.

The ISI chief's visit is expected to have significant implications for regional security, particularly for India. The potential intelligence-sharing network between Pakistan and Bangladesh could facilitate cross-border subversive activities, posing fresh security challenges for India along its eastern and northeastern borders. This development has raised concerns among Indian security analysts, who are closely monitoring the evolving dynamics between the two countries.

In conclusion, the ISI chief's visit to Bangladesh after a long gap marks a significant shift in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The visit aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing networks and enhance bilateral military cooperation, with potential implications for regional security, particularly concerning India. The renewed engagement between the two countries reflects the changing political landscape and the rise of anti-India sentiment in both nations. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor the developments and their impact on regional stability.