In first high-level talks in 15 years, Dhaka presses for reparations, repatriation, and apology for genocide as Pakistan’s deputy PM prepares for April 27 visit.
Dhaka | April 18, 2025 – In a major diplomatic development, Bangladesh has formally demanded a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War and called for $4.3 billion in compensation during their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years.
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At the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held in Dhaka on Thursday, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met with visiting Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch, placing key “historically unresolved” issues on the table ahead of Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka on April 27-28.
“We said this is the right time to settle the historical unsettled issues,” Uddin told reporters after the meeting at Padma state guest house.
🇧🇩 What Bangladesh Demanded:
- Formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed by its military in 1971
- $4.3 billion as East Pakistan’s share of undivided national assets
- Repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh
- $200 million in unpaid foreign aid, donated in 1970 for cyclone relief in East Pakistan
Uddin noted that these unresolved issues are critical for establishing a “solid foundation of mutual relations” between the two nations.
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🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Response
While Islamabad did not issue any formal statement, the Bangladeshi foreign secretary said Pakistan expressed willingness to “remain engaged with a positive outlook” and to continue discussions in future meetings.
🕊️ New Diplomatic Thaw Post-Hasina Era
These discussions come at a time of cooling tensions between the two South Asian nations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The new interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has taken a more neutral stance on historical narratives, downplaying the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—Hasina’s father and founding leader of Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Baloch also met separately with Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, signaling further dialogue ahead of Dar’s upcoming visit.
📉 What’s Next?
Bangladesh’s request for reparations and apology are part of a broader push to recalibrate diplomatic ties with Pakistan while still maintaining strategic relations with India.
Uddin clarified, “This is not a matter of choosing between Pakistan or India. Our goal is building mutually beneficial relations based on mutual respect.”
🏷️ Tags:
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