Dhaka: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Touhid Hossain have presented conflicting views on whether disputes stemming from the 1971 Liberation War have been settled.
Dar, who is on an official visit to Dhaka, said the matter was resolved twice—first in 1974 through tripartite talks involving India, and later when former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf publicly addressed the issue during a visit to Bangladesh. “The issues were settled in 1974 and again when Musharraf spoke with an open mind in Dhaka,” Dar stated.
Bangladesh’s Response
Hossain, however, rejected this claim, stressing that the wounds of 1971 cannot be dismissed so easily. “Definitely I don’t agree. Had it been so, the problems would have been solved. We explained our position and they explained theirs,” he told reporters, as quoted by Prothom Alo.
He reiterated that Dhaka continues to press for key unresolved matters, including a formal apology for the 1971 genocide, settlement of pre-independence asset claims, and the status of stranded Pakistani citizens in Bangladesh.
Historical Tensions
Relations between the two countries have long been strained, reaching a low point during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister. Following her ouster in August 2024 after mass student-led protests, the new Mohammad Yunus-led government has sought to recalibrate ties while still pushing for closure on unresolved historical issues.
In April this year, Bangladesh again demanded a formal apology from Islamabad for atrocities committed during the Liberation War.
High-Level Visit
Dar’s trip marks the most senior Pakistani visit to Bangladesh since 2012, when then foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar invited Sheikh Hasina to a regional summit.
During the latest talks, both sides acknowledged the importance of addressing historical grievances while also signing one agreement and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation.
“Both countries have presented their respective positions on these issues,” Hossain said, noting that dialogue will continue despite differences.
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