Bangladesh Rejects Pakistan’s Claims On 1971 Genocide

Bangladesh has firmly rejected Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s claims that Bangladesh had already settled its demand for an apology over the 1971 genocide twice in the past.

Dar made the assertions during his two-day official visit to Dhaka, marking Pakistan’s first state-level visit to Bangladesh in 13 years.

Dar stated that Bangladesh resolved the issue once in 1974 and again during former President Pervez Musharraf’s visit in the early 2000s.

However, Bangladesh’s interim Foreign Affairs Advisor, Hossain, dismissed these claims, telling reporters, “I definitely do not agree. If we had agreed, the problem would have been resolved.”

Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s position on three unresolved matters:

1. A formal apology for the 1971 genocide,
2. Financial compensation for pre-independence assets, and
3. The repatriation of stranded Pakistanis

He further emphasised the need for accountability, stating, “We want an accounting, which is a financial solution. We want them to express regret and apologise for the genocide. We want them to take back the stranded people.”

Hossain highlighted the complexity of the matter, saying that resolving a 54-year-old problem requires time and that both sides are discussing ways to advance bilateral relations smoothly.

Strains in Diplomacy and Politics

Following the meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated on social media regarding Dar’s visit, but did not mention the 1971 issues discussed in Dhaka.

Experts suggest that Dar’s visit underscores the interim government’s attempt to strengthen ties with Pakistan, despite the historical legacy of the 1971 genocide, which claimed millions of lives under ‘Operation Search Light’.

Relations between Dhaka and Islamabad had previously reached a low point during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, particularly after the 2010 trial of collaborators of Pakistani forces during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

The Awami League condemned Dar’s visit, stating, “Without recognition of genocide, normalisation is betrayal.”

The party also criticised the Yunus-led interim government, calling it ‘anti-Liberation, anti-national’ for failing to register even minimal protest against Pakistan’s claims, reducing the matter to a farce.

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