Bangladesh seeks apology from Pakistan over 1971 Atrocities
Bangladesh has formally sought a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence. This demand was made during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years, held in Dhaka on April 17, 2025. Bangladesh raised several “historically unresolved issues,” including the call for a formal apology for the genocide, the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, equitable distribution of undivided assets, and the transfer of foreign aid funds sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone.
In addition to the apology, Bangladesh has asked Pakistan to pay USD 4.3 billion as its share of the combined assets from the time when East Pakistan separated from West Pakistan to form Bangladesh in 1971. Bangladesh also requested the payment of an unpaid USD 200 million in foreign donations meant for victims of the 1970 cyclone.
The talks, involving Bangladesh Foreign Secretary M Jashim Uddin and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, aimed to resolve these longstanding issues to build a solid foundation for future bilateral relations based on mutual respect and benefit. The discussions also covered enhancing economic, trade, agricultural, and cultural cooperation, as well as regional cooperation under SAARC.
Pakistan responded positively to the engagement, expressing willingness to remain engaged in discussions to address the unsettled issues, though no formal apology has yet been issued. The talks precede the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka scheduled for April 27-28, 2025.
This diplomatic initiative marks a thaw in relations following a period of frozen ties and reflects Bangladesh’s intent to normalize and strengthen its relationship with Pakistan while addressing the painful legacy of the 1971 war.
