During foreign secretary level talks in Dhaka, Bangladesh reportedly sought a formal apology from Pakistan for the 1971 war, financial compensation and repatriation of members of the Bihari community, though the Foreign Office has stressed the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch reached Dhaka earlier this week for Foreign Office Consultations after a 15-year gap in diplomatic engagements between Pakistan and Bangladesh. While an official release by Pakistan stressed on discussions concerning matters of mutual interest, international media outlets and Bangladesh’s leading news agencies reported that Dhaka had asked for a formal apology for the 1971 war, sought financial compensation, and the repatriation of Biharis.
According to the media reports, the demanded compensation of $4.32 billion includes dues from Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan in 1971, as well as foreign aid sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone. Additionally, Bangladesh has demanded the repatriation of an estimated 324,447 Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jasimuddin told journalists that these issues must be resolved if ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh are to be maintained on a strong foundation.
Responding to the media reports, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan admitted to journalists that “some outstanding issues” were raised during the talks. “However, both sides stated their respective positions on them in an environment of mutual understanding and respect,” he said, adding “fake news or sensational news” were trying to undermine the growing reconciliation between the two countries. “The foreign secretary-level consultations took place in a very cordial and constructive atmosphere,” he maintained, stressing such “misleading reports must not undermine the significance of the important development in bilateral relations.”
According to Jasimuddin, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh on April 27-28 to further talks.