Bangladesh Demands Apology and Financial Dues from Pakistan Amid Renewed Diplomatic Engagement

Dhaka : Bangladesh has formally demanded that Pakistan issue a public apology for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, as the two nations resumed bilateral talks after a 15-year hiatus. The request was made during the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka, where Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch led their respective delegations.

The consultations marked a significant shift in relations, particularly since the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed power following mass protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Yunus’s administration has been actively pursuing diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, aiming to resolve long-standing issues and foster economic cooperation.

One of the central demands made by Bangladesh was a formal apology from Islamabad for the 1971 genocide, in which, according to Dhaka, approximately three million people were killed and over 200,000 women were raped during Operation Searchlight. Pakistan has consistently rejected these figures and has never issued an official apology.

In addition, Bangladesh reiterated its financial claims amounting to $4.52 billion, which includes its share of pre-1971 assets from undivided Pakistan. These assets comprise unpaid provident funds, savings instruments, and $200 million in foreign aid intended for victims of the devastating 1970 Bhola Cyclone — one of the deadliest natural disasters in history that killed up to 500,000 people.

“These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations,” said Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin. He also noted that Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27–28, and expressed hope for the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed expanding trade, boosting agricultural cooperation, and easing visa processes. Bangladesh recently simplified visa rules for Pakistanis and lifted the requirement for Pakistani diplomats to obtain prior clearance from Dhaka, signaling a thaw in diplomatic tensions.

Muhammad Yunus’s office released a statement following a separate meeting between him and Baloch, in which he emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties and explore mutual economic opportunities. “There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward,” he told the Pakistani delegation.

Despite these efforts, tensions remain. Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have deteriorated, with Bangladesh accusing India of harboring Sheikh Hasina and demanding her extradition. In response, India revoked a transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods via Indian infrastructure, a move expected to impact the country’s $39 billion garment export industry.

Meanwhile, mutual accusations between Bangladesh and India over minority rights violations have further strained regional dynamics. In this shifting landscape, Dhaka’s re-engagement with Islamabad marks a notable recalibration of its foreign policy priorities.