Bangladesh Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of Settling 1971 Issues Twice

During a recent visit to Dhaka, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar asserted that the unresolved issues from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War had been addressed twice: first through the 1974 tripartite agreement involving India, and later when then-President Pervez Musharraf expressed regret during his 2002 visit to Bangladesh.

However, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, firmly disagreed with this assertion. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s position remains unchanged, seeking a formal apology from Pakistan for the 1971 genocide, financial settlement of pre-independence assets, and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.

The divergence in perspectives highlights the complexities of addressing historical grievances. While Pakistan contends that previous statements and agreements have resolved these issues, Bangladesh maintains that substantial steps are still required for genuine reconciliation.

Both nations have agreed to continue discussions to resolve these longstanding issues. However, the differing viewpoints underscore the challenges in achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution.

As diplomatic talks progress, the focus remains on bridging the gap between historical narratives and fostering a path toward mutual understanding and cooperation.