Dhaka: Bangladesh has renewed its call for Pakistan to resolve long-standing historic issues, including a formal apology for the 1971 genocide, to build lasting bilateral relations. The demand came during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Dhaka on Saturday.
Bangladesh also pressed for the division of pre-1971 assets, transfer of foreign aid meant for 1970 cyclone victims, and repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. The country emphasized that resolving these issues is vital for a forward-looking partnership.
Dar Claims Two Issues Settled Twice
Speaking to reporters, Ishaq Dar insisted that two of the three unresolved issues from 1971 were resolved long ago. “The matter was first settled in 1974. The document of that time is historic for both countries,” he said.
Dar further added, “Later, General Pervez Musharraf came here and openly and candidly resolved the matter. So, the issue has been resolved twice – once in 1974 and again in the early 2000s.”
However, Bangladesh disagrees. “Certainly not. We have presented our position, and they have presented theirs,” Adviser Touhid said during a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy.
Dhaka Sticks to Its Position
In an official release, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry outlined its long-standing demands. These include an official apology, division of assets, transfer of cyclone aid, and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.
During Foreign Office consultations in April, Bangladesh formally demanded $4.52 billion as its fair share of undivided Pakistan’s pre-1971 assets. The claim includes aid money, provident funds, and savings instruments.
On the issue of stranded Pakistanis, Touhid said, “There is a High Court verdict. Migration experts have urged a solution in light of that ruling. Discussions will continue.”
Touhid stressed that resolving these historical issues is essential to advance relations. “It would be wrong to expect that 54 years of problems will be solved in a single day,” he said.
Both sides agreed to continue dialogue on the unresolved matters to strengthen ties. Ishaq Dar’s two-day visit marks the first high-level state visit from Pakistan to Bangladesh in 13 years.
