In a Bind, Pakistan Reflects on Next Steps Regarding Bangladesh's Claims

Synopsis

High-level discussions are ongoing in Islamabad following Bangladesh's claim of USD 4.32 billion from Pakistan as its rightful share of assets from before 1971, alongside a demand for USD 200 million foreign aid from the 1970 Bhola cyclone.

Key Takeaways

Bangladesh claims USD 4.32 billion from Pakistan.
Demand for USD 200 million in foreign aid.
Talks resumed after 15 years.
Pakistan may transfer military assets as settlement.
Ongoing diplomatic engagement between both nations.

Dhaka, April 18 (NationPress) High-level discussions and assessments are currently taking place in Islamabad following Bangladesh's financial demand of USD 4.32 billion from Pakistan as its equitable share of the assets of undivided Pakistan prior to 1971.

Additionally, Bangladesh has requested USD 200 million that was received as foreign aid from various countries and agencies for then East Pakistan during the catastrophic November 1970 Bhola cyclone.

These claims were presented during the sixth round of Foreign Secretary-level bilateral talks between the two nations, which took place after a 15-year break, in Dhaka on Thursday.

Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch led their respective delegations at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma.

Several sensitive matters between Bangladesh and Pakistan remain pending, including a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide perpetrated by its armed forces in 1971; the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis currently living in Bangladesh; Dhaka's rightful claim to the undivided assets of Pakistan; and the transfer of foreign aid allocated for the victims of the devastating November 1970 Bhola cyclone.

Pakistan failed to allocate Bangladesh its share of $200 million in foreign aid following the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, instead transferring the funds from the Dhaka branch of the State Bank of Pakistan to its Lahore branch during the Liberation War.

It has been reported that Pakistan used these funds to purchase modern military equipment for its own purposes. Recently, Islamabad expressed a willingness to transfer some of these military assets to Bangladesh as a way to settle outstanding debts.

Pakistan may offer these military assets to Bangladesh based on mutual agreement.

These issues are now subject to ongoing bilateral discussions and diplomatic engagement between both nations, with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar scheduled to make an official visit to Dhaka on April 27-28.

The interim government in Bangladesh has established a working group with the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka to finalize the agreements that will be signed during Dar's visit.

Various meetings are currently being held to develop a coordinated strategy regarding financial obligations and the military equipment proposal while prioritizing national interests and maintaining regional diplomatic equilibrium concerning historical claims.

During her visit, Baloch held separate meetings with the Chief Advisor of the Bangladeshi interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain, where they addressed mutual interests.

Yunus, after meeting with the visiting Pakistani Foreign Secretary, emphasized the need to strengthen relations with Pakistan to enhance mutual cooperation and explore trade opportunities.

"There are certain obstacles. We must discover ways to surmount those and progress," Yunus stated after Baloch's visit to him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday.