Bangladesh has reiterated its call for Pakistan to issue a formal apology for atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, stressing that genuine reconciliation cannot take place without addressing historical injustices.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain delivered the message during a meeting Sunday with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Dhaka, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The talks included a broad range of topics such as trade, agriculture, education, health, and cultural exchange. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and unlocking untapped potential through sustained diplomatic engagement.
However, Bangladesh underscored that Pakistan’s repeated attempts to advance relations without addressing the past amount to denial of responsibility. The demand for an apology stems from the widespread killings, displacement, and human rights violations carried out during the war in which Bangladesh gained independence. Estimates of those killed range from hundreds of thousands to several million, and millions more were forced to flee their homes.
Bangladesh’s position highlights that Pakistan cannot credibly pursue normalization while refusing to acknowledge or make amends for the suffering endured by the Bengali people in 1971. For Dhaka, the path forward rests on an honest reckoning with history.
Without a formal apology, efforts to build trust and deepen ties risk being viewed as superficial. As Bangladesh has made clear, reconciliation must be rooted in accountability and respect for the sacrifices that shaped its independence.