Bangladesh has officially requested a public apology from Pakistan for the 1971 genocide as the two countries conducted diplomatic consultations in Dhaka after a gap of 15 years. The talks represent a major thaw in relations after Bangladesh’s leadership changed.
Representatives from both nations converged on Thursday as Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus moves to make diplomatic relations with Islamabad normal again. The renewed talks come after last August’s toppling of erstwhile Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a wave of mass protests after which she took refuge in India.
Bangladesh, which broke off from Pakistan and achieved independence in a nine-month war in 1971, accuses Pakistani forces of killing up to 3 million individuals and raping 200,000 women throughout the course of the fighting. Pakistan protests the numbers and has never delivered a formal apology.
In the meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin called on Pakistan to recognize the historical crimes and issue a public apology. He also demanded settlement of pre-1971 financial claims, including $4.52 billion in assets and foreign aid intended for cyclone victims.
“These issues need resolution to build a strong foundation for future relations,” Uddin said. Discussions also covered increasing trade and cooperation in agriculture.
Dr. Yunus separately met with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and stressed breaking over past obstacles to expand economic and diplomatic ties. In a symbolic gesture this year, Bangladesh restored direct trade with Pakistan after a gap of 50 years and eased its visa policy for Pakistani citizens.
In the meantime, Bangladesh’s relationship with India has become strained, especially after India withdrew a central transshipment hub, jeopardizing Bangladesh’s $39 billion ready-made garment export sector. India has also accused Dhaka of taking refuge and sought the extradition of Hasina, which has been disregarded.
There has also been tensions arising over the rights of minorities, with the two nations accusing each other.
