More than 30 Pakistani journalists, election observers and civil society activists have arrived in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for February 12, in what sources describe
as an unprecedented level of cross-border engagement.
The delegations were invited by Bangladesh’s interim government and the Election Commission to observe and cover the polls. Top sources told CNN-News18 that the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad facilitated priority visa issuance and arranged boarding and lodging for the visiting journalists. Expenses for the delegation’s stay in Dhaka are reportedly being borne by the Bangladesh interim government.
The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka hosted a dinner reception for the visiting delegates shortly after their arrival, underscoring the diplomatic visibility of the visit.
Among those who have reached Dhaka are representatives from several of Pakistan’s leading television networks, including Geo News, ARY News, Samaa News, PTV News and Pakistan TV. Senior journalists and prominent civil society figures are also part of the group.
Sources claim that Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued special directives to domestic media outlets to provide extensive and positive coverage of Bangladesh’s general elections. Additionally, some members of the visiting delegation have allegedly been encouraged to promote favourable reporting on Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
A senior source further indicated that Pakistan’s military establishment is closely monitoring developments related to the Bangladesh elections, reflecting Islamabad’s strategic interest in political developments in Dhaka.
The developments have sparked discussion among political observers about the broader geopolitical implications of the visit, particularly in the context of evolving regional dynamics in South Asia. While official statements from both governments emphasise cooperation and goodwill, questions have been raised in some quarters about the extent and intent of coordinated media engagement surrounding the polls.
Bangladesh heads to the polls on February 12 amid heightened political attention at home and abroad, with international observers and foreign media keeping a close watch on the conduct and outcome of the election.
