By Uzma Ehtasham
A special ceremony at Dhaka University yesterday drew students and university officials to commemorate the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, blending tribute with political expression. While the cutting of a celebratory cake formed part of the event, it was the student-led protest rally that captured attention. Chants condemning India as a sanctuary for terrorists and calls for the immediate handover of those accused of assassinating a revolutionary youth leader underscored the intertwining of commemoration with contemporary regional concerns. Beyond the ceremonial, the events offered a window into a broader, evolving dynamic between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Decades of historical tension and mutual suspicion have long defined the bilateral relationship, often reinforced by external influences and partisan narratives. Yet recent developments suggest a gradual shift toward reconciliation. The political transition in Dhaka in August 2024 played a critical role, signaling an intent to prioritize regional stability and to reinvigorate economic and social engagement with Pakistan. This change at the governmental level has begun to resonate in public spaces, university campuses, and among youth, fostering a climate more receptive to dialogue and renewed cooperation.
The Dhaka University gathering symbolizes this recalibration. By celebrating Jinnah’s birthday, students not only honor a foundational figure in Pakistan’s history but also demonstrate a willingness to look beyond historical grievances. In parallel, their protest against India reflects a nuanced understanding of regional geopolitics, merging historical consciousness with contemporary concerns. Such expressions of solidarity mark a departure from past decades, when official narratives in Bangladesh often emphasized Pakistan’s perceived culpability in historical conflicts.
Under previous governments, particularly those led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later Sheikh Hasina, education and public discourse frequently framed Pakistan through a critical lens, sometimes obscuring the complexities of shared history. Today, a younger generation is increasingly engaging with history in a more balanced manner, recognizing both the challenges of the past and the strategic importance of constructive relations. Earlier, in September 2024, a seminar marking Jinnah’s 76th death anniversary at Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Hall had brought together students, scholars, and researchers, reinforcing this emerging openness.
Such initiatives signal a willingness to reassess historical narratives critically rather than ideologically, and to explore opportunities for renewed dialogue and cooperation. The symbolic and practical significance of these events extends beyond campuses. They point to a growing public sentiment in Bangladesh that values engagement with Pakistan and appreciates the potential benefits of stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. As these gestures gain traction, they suggest the erosion of barriers built over decades of mistrust. Commemorative events, academic discussions, and expressions of solidarity among youth collectively indicate that both nations may be entering a period of cautious rapprochement.
For Pakistan, this evolving landscape offers an opportunity to engage with a more receptive audience in Bangladesh, cultivating long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect, shared economic interests, and regional stability. For Bangladesh, embracing a nuanced understanding of its shared history with Pakistan allows the country to balance historical memory with forward-looking diplomacy, positioning itself as a proactive participant in South Asian cooperation. The celebrations at Dhaka University, therefore, are more than ceremonial observances; they are emblematic of a larger transformation in bilateral relations. They suggest that commemorating Jinnah’s legacy is not merely an act of remembrance but also a symbolic step toward fostering mutual understanding.
In an often-divided region, such gestures carry profound significance, signaling a potential new chapter in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations—one defined less by past grievances and more by dialogue, cooperation, and shared aspirations. If sustained, this momentum could provide a foundation for deeper social, cultural, and economic integration between the two countries. As public sentiment and official policy gradually align, the possibility emerges for a partnership that strengthens both nations’ standing in the region, countering decades of mistrust and external attempts to sow discord. Celebrating historical figures like Jinnah, while simultaneously advocating for contemporary regional justice, highlights the nuanced engagement of a younger generation, eager to reconcile history with the promise of a shared, constructive future.
In embracing Jinnah’s legacy and openly expressing solidarity with Pakistan, Bangladeshis are signalling more than respect for history—they are hinting at a vision for a stable and mutually beneficial relationship. In the context of South Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape, such gestures offer hope that past divisions can be overcome and that a framework for enduring friendship, dialogue, and regional cooperation can take root, reshaping the narrative between Dhaka and Islamabad for years to come.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
