Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to resolve unresolved historical issues, including a formal apology for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War and the settlement of outstanding financial claims, in order to build a “strong and forward-looking” bilateral relationship.
Following foreign office consultations in Dhaka with her Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Masud Bin Momen stated that key issues such as the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, equitable distribution of undivided assets, transfer of foreign aid sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone, and a public apology for the 1971 genocide by the then Pakistani military were raised during the meeting.
He emphasized that now is the right time to address these unresolved historical matters to establish a solid foundation for mutual interests and cooperation.
This marked the first foreign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Dhaka and Islamabad in 15 years. The visiting Pakistani foreign secretary also met separately with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain to discuss matters of mutual interest.