Fri Apr 18 01:30:54 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Demands Apology and Compensation from Pakistan for 1971 Atrocities
**Dhaka, Bangladesh** – Bangladesh has formally demanded a public apology and USD 4.3 billion in compensation from Pakistan for atrocities committed during the 1971 war of independence, during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. The meeting, held Thursday, also addressed other outstanding issues including the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and the disbursement of unreturned foreign aid.
Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin stated that Bangladesh raised “historically unresolved issues” with his Pakistani counterpart, Amna Baloch. These include a formal apology for the genocide perpetrated by the Pakistani military in 1971, as well as the equitable division of assets from the time of East Pakistan’s secession. Bangladesh also seeks USD 200 million in unpaid foreign aid intended for cyclone victims in 1970.
While the Pakistani side expressed a willingness to continue discussions, details regarding compensation calculations are to be addressed in future talks. The meeting paved the way for the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka on April 27th and 28th.
The talks follow a period of thawing relations between the two nations after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. Although the current interim government is downplaying the role of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Bangladesh’s liberation, the demand for reparations and an apology highlight the enduring significance of the 1971 conflict for Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Uddin emphasized Bangladesh’s desire to build a relationship with Pakistan based on mutual respect and benefit, denying any shift in its foreign policy alignment.
First Piper 