Categories
Bangladesh and Pakistan held their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years on Thursday in Dhaka. During the meeting, Bangladesh raised long-standing concerns regarding the 1971 Liberation War and formally demanded a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during that time. Additionally, Bangladesh requested $4.3 billion in reparations, citing its rightful share of joint assets following the country’s independence from what was then East Pakistan.
Bangladesh Demands Apology and Reparations from Pakistan for 1971 Atrocities During Landmark Talks
In a historic diplomatic development, Bangladesh and Pakistan held their first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years on Thursday in Dhaka. During the meeting, Bangladesh raised long-standing issues stemming from the 1971 Liberation War and strongly demanded a formal public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during that time, ANI reported.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary M. Jashim Uddin, who hosted his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch at the Padma State Guest House, confirmed that unresolved historical matters were firmly brought to the table. “We raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan,” he said in a post-meeting statement.
Among the key demands, Bangladsh reiterated its call for reparations amounting to USD 4.3 billion — its claimed share of joint assets from the period before East Pakistan became the independent nation of Bangladsh in 1971.
The meeting marked a significant moment in the strained bilateral relationship, with Bangladesh emphasizing the need for historical justice and financial settlement as a prerequisite for any future progress in diplomatic ties.
In 1971, during Operation Searchlight, Pakistani military forces launched a brutal crackdown on the people of East Pakistan. This operation marked the beginning of a horrific genocide that led to the death of an estimated 3 million Bengalis and the sexual violence against more than a million women. The atrocities committed were part of an attempt to suppress the Bengali nationalist movement.
Despite the immense suffering, the people of Bangladesh fought with resilience and determination. After months of armed resistance and immense sacrifice, Bangladesh emerged victorious and declared independence from Pakistan on December 16, 1971.
This historic struggle is remembered not only as a fight for freedom but also as a testament to the spirit and unity of the Bengali people. The Liberation War remains a defining moment in the nation’s identity and history.
Bangladesh Seeks $4.32 Billion
Bangladesh has officially claimed a sum of $4.32 billion from Pakistan, demanding its rightful share of assets from the time before the country’s independence in 1971. The claim includes provident funds, savings instruments, and foreign aid allocations that were part of the undivided Pakistan’s financial resources.
According to the report, Pakistan has yet to transfer Bngladesh’s share of $200 million in foreign aid that was received following the devastating Bhola cyclone in 1970. These funds were meant to assist in relief efforts for the affected region, which now forms part of independent Bngladesh.
This renewed demand comes amid ongoing discussions between the two countries over unresolved financial and diplomatic matters stemming from the partition.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the Bhola Cyclone of 1970 remains the deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded. Striking what was then East Pakistan—now known as Bangladesh—the devastating storm claimed the lives of an estimated 500,000 people. The sheer scale of the disaster left a lasting impact on the region and is remembered as one of the most catastrophic natural tragedies in modern history.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28. The announcement was made by Jashim Uddin, who also expressed optimism about the commencement of direct flights between the two nations in the near future. This visit is seen as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation.
Bangladesh Urges Pakistan to Apologize for 1971 Liberation War Atrocities
