Bangladesh has urged Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the genocide committed by its military during the 1971 War of Liberation and to resolve other longstanding bilateral matters.

The demand aims to lay the groundwork for stronger and more constructive ties between the two South Asian nations.

Bangladesh delivered this message during a Foreign Secretary-level meeting held on Thursday at the State Guest House ‘Padma’ in Dhaka.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the host delegation, while Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch headed her country’s team.

In a press briefing following the talks, Momen confirmed that the Bangladeshi side raised all unresolved historical issues with Pakistan. These included a formal apology for the 1971 atrocities, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, a fair share in joint assets, and the handover of international aid sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone.

He emphasized that while Bangladesh considers Pakistan a friendly nation, unresolved issues from the past must be addressed promptly to foster a forward-looking, mutually beneficial relationship.

Moreover, he also stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The Pakistani delegation expressed willingness to continue dialogue on these matters.

Masud Bin Momen pointed out that although such talks should be a regular exercise, this was the first Foreign Secretary-level meeting in nearly 15 years—the previous one being held in 2010.

He acknowledged that Bangladesh does not expect immediate resolution of all issues but views the renewed engagement as a significant step forward.

Following the meeting, Baloch held courtesy calls Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus and the Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Interim government of Bangladesh Touhid Hossain.

She told reporters that she was pleased to visit Dhaka and described her discussions with Bangladeshi officials as positive and productive.

Masud Bin Momen also announced that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Dhaka on April 27 and 28.

Both countries finalized the schedule for his visit during the latest round of diplomatic talks.

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