Resolve 1971 Genocide First, Then Talk: Pakistan Foreign Minister Faces Pushback in Dhaka

Resolve 1971 Genocide First: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar faced diplomatic pushback in Dhaka as Bangladeshi leaders demanded an apology for the 1971 genocide before advancing bilateral ties. Talks with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP highlighted the need to resolve historical disputes for future cooperation.

Bangladesh-Pakistan relations saw a sharp reminder of history when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka amid efforts to revive bilateral ties. While the Sheikh Hasina government’s ouster has opened doors for warmer interactions, Bangladesh’s political leaders made it clear that reconciliation cannot bypass the events of 1971.

Meetings With BNP, Jamaat, and NCP

During his visit, Dar met leaders from major Bangladeshi opposition groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. He also held talks with the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), launched with the support of interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus.

BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir led the party delegation, discussing stronger bilateral engagement and the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Pakistan also expressed support for fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, signaling a desire to reset ties.

https://digitalamitkaul.online/india-responds-to-asim-munir-india-slams-asim-munirs-nuclear-blackmail/

Resolve 1971 Genocide First: Dhaka’s Strong Stand on 1971

Despite the diplomatic warmth, Dhaka leaders reiterated a long-standing demand: acknowledgment of the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War. According to Bangladesh, the then West Pakistan military carried out widespread killings, mass rapes, and destruction over nine months, leading to the country’s independence.

Reports suggest that at least one million Bengali women were victims of sexual violence, and millions of civilians were killed. Bangladeshi leaders have consistently demanded an official apology from Islamabad—a move Pakistan has so far resisted.

NCP member-secretary Akhtar Hussain, who led a seven-member delegation in talks with Dar, stated, “Bilateral relations will improve only when Pakistan takes responsibility for the 1971 genocide and moves toward resolution.”

Historical Legacy Blocks Progress

The legacy of 1971 continues to overshadow South Asian diplomacy. While Pakistan seeks to deepen economic and political ties with Dhaka, Bangladesh insists that without closure on the genocide issue, trust cannot be rebuilt.

https://aamnewsnetwork.com/india-is-the-future-canadian-billionaire-criticizes-trumps-tariff-move/

The visit highlighted a dual message: a willingness to engage in trade and regional cooperation, but also an unshakable demand for historical accountability. Until Pakistan addresses the wounds of 1971, the road to genuine reconciliation remains uncertain.