Bangladesh Urges Pakistan to Apologize for 1971 Liberation War Atrocities

Bangladesh and Pakistan Engage in Bilateral Talks During Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka

Bangladesh and Pakistan recently held a round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the State Guest House in Dhaka, marking a significant step in diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for cooperation across various sectors.

Bangladsh has officially urged Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the atrocities committed by Pakistani forces during the 1971 War of Liberation. The demand was raised as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, with Bangladesh also reminding Islamabad of unresolved financial claims that remain pending since the conflict. Dhaka emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices and settling outstanding matters to build a future rooted in mutual respect and accountability.

During Operation Searchlight, launched by the Pakistani military in March 1971, an estimated 3 million Bengalis were brutally killed, and over a million women were subjected to horrific acts of sexual violence. This brutal crackdown aimed to suppress the Bengali independence movement in East Pakistan, but it instead ignited a full-scale liberation war.

After months of intense struggle and immense sacrifice, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on December 16, 1971, following a historic victory over Pakistani forces. The war left deep scars, but it also marked the beginning of a new era for the people of Bangladesh—one of resilience, identity, and freedom.

Bangladesh Seeks $4.32 Billion from Pakistan Over Unsettled Post-1971 Claims

According to a report by ANI, the Government of Bangldesh has raised long-standing issues with Pakistan, including the repatriation of over 300,000 stranded Pakistanis who continue to live in relief camps. Another major point of contention is the unresolved transfer of foreign aid sent to victims of the devastating 1970 Bhola cyclone.

Bangladesh has formally flagged a financial claim of $4.32 billion against Pakistan. This figure represents its share of undivided Pakistan’s pre-1971 assets. These include foreign aid contributions, provident funds, and various savings instruments that were not handed over after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.

The report highlights that Pakistan failed to allocate Bangladesh its due share of $200 million in international aid that had been sent specifically for Bhola cyclone relief efforts.

According to a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Cyclone Bhola of 1970 stands as the deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded, claiming the lives of up to 500,000 people in the region that is now Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Pakistan engaged in Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Thursday at the State Guest House, Padma, aiming to enhance diplomatic ties and address key issues affecting bilateral relations.

Leading the discussions were Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, each heading their respective delegations.

Speaking on the importance of the dialogue, Md Jashim Uddin emphasized the need to resolve pending matters for building a solid foundation in the relationship between the two nations. “These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations,” he stated, as quoted by ANI.

The meeting marks a significant step toward fostering mutual understanding and exploring avenues for cooperation across various sectors.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is set to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh from April 27 to 28. The announcement was made by Jashim Uddin, who expressed optimism about the potential launch of direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the near future. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and foster greater cooperation between the two nations.

According to a report by ANI, Amma Baloch held separate meetings with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, where they discussed various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Baloch emphasized the need for both nations to explore untapped opportunities in bilateral relations.

“Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to harness the potential between the two countries,” she said, adding, “We have massive intra-regional markets that can benefit both sides. We must utilize them. We can’t afford to miss the bus every time.”

The meetings underscored the shared interest in strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic integration between the two South Asian nations.