DHAKA, Apr 18 (Alliance News): Bangladesh has officially called on Pakistan to tender a formal apology for the 1971 genocide carried out by Pakistani forces and address other unresolved bilateral issues to build a prosperous and cooperative future between the two South Asian nations.
The demand was made during a Foreign Secretary-level meeting held at the State Guest House ‘Padma’ in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen (referred to in some reports as Jasimuddin) led the talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
The Pakistani delegation arrived in Dhaka a day earlier for the meeting, which marks the first high-level dialogue between the two countries since 2010.
Speaking at a press briefing, Masud Bin Momen said Bangladesh presented several key issues including a formal apology for the 1971 war atrocities, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, return of shared assets, and clarification regarding international aid for the victims of the 1970 cyclone.
He emphasized that resolving these long-standing issues is essential for paving the way for future cooperation and friendship between the two nations. He described Pakistan as a friendly country in South Asia and stressed the importance of building trust through reconciliation.
The Pakistani delegation proposed continued engagement on these sensitive matters and expressed interest in improving ties. Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch later met with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Prof. Mohammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain, describing the interactions as “positive and satisfactory.”
Bangladesh reiterated its longstanding demand of $4.32 billion in dues and a formal apology from Pakistan. According to officials, some of the over 324,000 Pakistanis who remained in Bangladesh after 1971 wish to return, while others have opted to stay.
Notably, it was also announced that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka on April 27–28, with details finalized during the talks.
Both sides also welcomed the resumption of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and emphasized the importance of restoring air links and easing visa procedures. At the regional level, there was mutual agreement on revitalizing SAARC in line with its founding principles.
Pakistan also used the platform to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a peaceful resolution in line with international norms.
This meeting, held after a 15-year diplomatic gap, is seen as a key step in mending and advancing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
