Bangladesh Demands Pakistan’s Apology for 1971 Genocide
Dhaka also calls for resolution of assets, cyclone aid, and repatriation issues
The Impressive TimesDhaka [Bangladesh], August 25 : Bangladesh has urged Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the genocide committed during the 1971 Liberation War, while also pressing for the resolution of other long-standing issues. The demand was raised by Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain during bilateral talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Dhaka on Sunday.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said: “Regarding the long outstanding historic issues including a formal official apology for the genocide committed by Pakistan in 1971, division of assets, transfer of foreign aid meant for cyclone victims of 1970, and repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, Bangladesh called for their early resolution in order to establish a solid foundation for enduring and forward-looking bilateral relations.”
Ishaq Dar was on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh from August 23–24 at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart. During his stay, he also called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Despite the historic grievances, both sides moved ahead on cooperation by signing one agreement and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The deal includes a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and government passports from both countries.
The MoUs cover cooperation in trade, cultural exchange, foreign service training, collaboration between state news agencies, and a partnership between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Pakistan’s Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI).
Earlier, Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Commerce Sk Bashir Uddin held detailed discussions in Dhaka to strengthen bilateral trade, mutual investments, and economic cooperation.
The visit marks a fresh attempt to advance ties between the two South Asian nations, though Dhaka has made it clear that addressing historic injustices remains central to building future relations.
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