Bangladesh demands $4.3 billion in financial claims from Pakistan, apology for 1971

Bangladesh on Thursday called on Pakistan to formally apologize for the atrocities committed by its military during the 1971 Liberation War.

In their first foreign secretary-level discussions since 2010, held in Dhaka, were led by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. Jashim Uddin emphasized the importance of addressing unresolved historical issues to establish a strong foundation for future bilateral ties. He urged Pakistan to collaborate in building a forward-looking and welfare-oriented relationship.

Bangladesh also raised other longstanding concerns, such as its claim to $4.3 billion from undivided Pakistan’s assets and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.

Moreover, Jashim Uddin expressed optimism about the potential resumption of direct flights between the two nations.

While Amna Baloch did not publicly address these issues, she held a separate meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss mutual interests.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28 to further diplomatic discussions.