Bangladesh wants Pakistan to formally apologise for the genocide committed during the 1971 Liberation War, said Foreign Affairs Adviser to the interim government Md. Touhid Hossain.
He made the remarks on Sunday following a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is currently on an official visit to Dhaka to strengthen bilateral relations.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Adviser Hossain said, “Bangladesh expects Pakistan to apologise for the genocide, repatriate those still stranded, and provide compensation for the damages caused during the war.”
He confirmed that the two sides signed one agreement and five memoranda of understanding (MoUs), covering multiple areas of cooperation. Discussions also focused on building relations based on mutual respect and addressing unresolved issues.
Hossain noted, “Relations with Pakistan had been held back in the past. We are now trying to normalise them.”
He further said that steps had been taken to enhance multidimensional trade and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Bangladesh has also sought opportunities for pharmaceutical exports to Pakistan, energy cooperation, and trade privileges under SAFTA.
The adviser stressed: We have expressed our commitment to move forward on issues of mutual interest while maintaining mutual respect and dignity between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
