Bangladesh Demands Apology from Pakistan for 1971 War Atrocities
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Synopsis
On April 18, Bangladesh urged Pakistan to apologize for atrocities during the 1971 Liberation War, while also addressing financial claims and humanitarian issues. This call is part of ongoing diplomatic relations and discussions between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh demands a formal apology from Pakistan.
- Financial claims of $4.32 billion are being pursued.
- Over three lakh stranded Pakistanis' repatriation is requested.
- Direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan may commence soon.
- Foreign Office Consultations took place recently.
Dhaka, April 18 (NationPress) Bangladesh has formally requested that Pakistan offer a public apology for the heinous acts perpetrated against the Bengali population during the 1971 War of Liberation by the Pakistani military.
Additionally, Bangladesh has brought up outstanding financial claims from Islamabad.
During Operation Searchlight, it is estimated that Pakistani forces killed around 30 lakh Bengalis and assaulted over a million women.
Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 following a brutal conflict with Pakistan.
Issues such as the repatriation of more than three lakh stranded Pakistanis residing in relief camps and the transfer of international aid funds intended for the victims of the 1970 Bhola Cyclone have also been highlighted by Dhaka.
Bangladesh has identified $4.32 billion as part of its financial claims against Pakistan.
This amount includes its share of the pre-1971 assets of undivided Pakistan, such as aid funds, provident accounts, and investment instruments.
Reports indicate that Pakistan failed to allocate Bangladesh its share of $200 million in foreign aid following the devastating 1970 Bhola Cyclone.
As per a report from the World Meteorological Organization, the 1970 Cyclone Bhola was the deadliest tropical cyclone in history, claiming the lives of up to five lakh people in what is now Bangladesh.
"These matters require resolution to establish a solid foundation for our relations," Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin was quoted as saying.
Bangladesh and Pakistan conducted Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the State Guest House, Padma, on Thursday.
Md. Jashim Uddin led the Bangladeshi delegation, while his Pakistani counterpart, Amna Baloch, represented Pakistan.
Jashim Uddin announced that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28.
He expressed optimism about the imminent launch of direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
According to media reports, Amna Baloch also held separate discussions with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain regarding issues of mutual concern.
Baloch emphasized that both nations must explore avenues to “leverage the potential between the two countries.”
"We have vast intra-regional markets that we should capitalize on," Baloch stated.
"We cannot afford to miss the opportunity repeatedly."
