Apology first: Bangladesh presses Pak on 1971 atrocities in bilateral talks

Bangladesh has pressed Pakistan to offer a formal apology for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, alongside the resolution of other long-standing issues, as the two countries seek to rebuild relations on a stronger footing.

The call came during bilateral talks held in Dhaka on Sunday between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who is on a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.

Dhaka reiterated its demands for an apology, settlement of division of assets, transfer of foreign aid meant for cyclone victims in 1970, and repatriation of stranded Pakistanis — issues it described as essential for creating a solid foundation for “enduring and forward-looking relations”.

Despite the unresolved historic grievances, both sides struck a tone of warmth and goodwill, reaffirming their commitment to deepen engagement across a wide range of sectors.

Adviser Hossain and Senator Dar emphasised the mutual benefits of stronger ties, highlighting opportunities in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, health, and culture. As per the Bangladesh foreign ministry, progress was noted on easing visa processes, improving maritime connectivity, and efforts to restore air links.

Pakistan announced that it would soon launch a ‘Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor’, offering 500 scholarships to Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with a quarter reserved for medical studies.

Dar also conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to provide advanced medical treatment, including limb replacement for 40 individuals injured during Bangladesh’s July Uprising. Additionally, Pakistan offered to train Bangladesh’s national hockey team.

The two countries exchanged views on regional and international developments, expressing hope that stronger ties would contribute to peace and prosperity in South Asia. They reaffirmed support for the safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and jointly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for accountability and a permanent ceasefire.

Both sides stressed the importance of cooperation in multilateral forums including SAARC, OIC, and the United Nations. The day’s engagements concluded with the signing of several agreements and MoUs, including a visa abolition agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, a cultural exchange programme, and cooperation deals on trade, news agencies, foreign service academies, and think tanks.

Dar later paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, conveying greetings from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, and extended an invitation to Adviser Hossain to visit Islamabad.