In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh has formally demanded a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during the 1971 War of Independence. Alongside this long-standing demand,
In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh has formally demanded a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during the 1971 War of Independence. Alongside this long-standing demand, Bangladesh is also seeking $4.52 billion as its share of the combined assets that were left unresolved after East Pakistan separated to become an independent nation. This crucial issue came to light during the recent foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries — the first of their kind in 15 years.
The foreign secretary-level discussions, held in Dhaka, signaled a renewed attempt to address the historically unresolved issues that have strained relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan for decades. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin confirmed, “We have raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan.”
These talks are viewed as a significant step forward, especially as both nations are working to ease tensions and foster cooperation in various areas, including trade, agriculture, and direct flights. For the people of Bangladesh, the long-awaited apology for the 1971 atrocities remains a deeply emotional and politically sensitive subject.
The 1971 Liberation War resulted in the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation after a bloody conflict with West Pakistan (now Pakistan). It’s estimated that between 300,000 to 3 million people lost their lives, with widespread reports of mass atrocities, including torture, mass killings, and sexual violence. Despite the passage of over five decades, the scars of that war remain fresh in the collective memory of Bangladesh.
While Pakistan has expressed regret in the past, it has consistently stopped short of issuing a formal public apology. For Bangladesh, this acknowledgment is crucial for healing historical wounds and moving towards a more constructive bilateral relationship.
Alongside the demand for an apology, Bangladesh has also sought $4.52 billion as its rightful share of combined assets that were part of the undivided Pakistan before 1971. This claim has remained one of the major unresolved financial issues between the two countries.
The issue of asset division was originally addressed in the Simla Agreement of 1972 and subsequent discussions, but Bangladesh claims it never received its due share. Bringing this demand to the negotiating table after 15 years signifies Bangladesh’s intent to resolve longstanding disputes in a comprehensive manner.
Interestingly, this diplomatic initiative comes at a time when Bangladesh’s ties with India — traditionally its closest ally — have experienced strain. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who currently serves as Bangladesh’s interim leader, is adopting a strategic shift in foreign policy, seeking to improve relations with Pakistan and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Yunus emphasized, “Strengthening ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials,” suggesting a pragmatic approach amid changing regional dynamics.
One of the immediate outcomes of these talks includes efforts to expand direct trade links and resume direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan — an initiative paused for several years. This move contrasts sharply with India’s recent decision to restrict visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals, complicating cross-border movement.
India’s decision to cancel a vital transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export garments using Indian infrastructure is another factor influencing Dhaka’s regional recalibration. As the world’s second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh relied on this facility to transport goods efficiently to key markets in the European Union, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar.
The withdrawal of this trade advantage is expected to raise costs for Bangladeshi exporters, potentially threatening its competitive edge in the international garment industry. This economic setback has made it increasingly important for Bangladesh to diversify its trade partners and logistical routes — a likely motivator behind rekindling economic relations with Pakistan.
Aside from the political and historical issues, both countries expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in other sectors, notably agriculture. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch highlighted the potential for collaboration, stating the importance of “harnessing the potentials between the two countries.”
With both economies heavily reliant on agriculture, joint ventures, technology sharing, and trade in agricultural products could open new avenues for mutual benefit. Broader cooperation in education, health, and cultural exchanges also remains on the agenda as both nations cautiously chart a new course for their relationship.
While the recent talks mark a diplomatic milestone, numerous challenges remain. The demand for a public apology and financial settlement could prove difficult for Pakistan, given domestic political sensitivities and historical narratives. However, resolving these issues is crucial to establishing a durable and constructive relationship.
Bangladesh’s interim government is optimistic about overcoming hurdles and believes that addressing these issues will lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation and regional stability.
As Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin aptly stated, “These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations.”
Source : Business Today
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