Dhaka— Bangladesh has formally demanded $4.32 billion from Pakistan as its rightful share of pre-1971 assets, along with a long-awaited apology for the genocide committed by Pakistani armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War.
The demands were raised during a Foreign Secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two nations, held in Dhaka on Thursday after a 15-year hiatus. Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the delegation for Bangladesh, while Pakistan was represented by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
In addition to the asset claim, Bangladesh also pressed for $200 million in foreign aid that had been allocated for East Pakistan during the devastating Bhola cyclone, which struck in 1970.
“As a friendly neighbor in South Asia, we expect Pakistan’s cooperation in building a strong, welfare-oriented, and forward-looking relationship,” said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen. “To do that, historical unresolved issues must be addressed without delay. These are essential to laying a solid foundation for future bilateral relations.”
Local media reported that the Pakistani delegation declined to comment on the outcome of the discussions.
During her visit, Baloch also met with Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. The meetings focused on regional cooperation and exploring economic opportunities.
“There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome them and move forward,” Yunus said after meeting with Baloch at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Acknowledging the historical strains, Baloch emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. “We have significant intra-regional market potential,” she noted. “We must find ways to harness this and stop missing opportunities.”
The FOC marked the first such diplomatic dialogue between the two countries since 2010. As part of ongoing efforts to mend ties, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, will make an official visit to Dhaka on April 27–28—marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh since 2012.
A working group has been formed between Bangladesh’s interim government and the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka to finalize agreements expected to be signed during Dar’s visit. (Source: IANS)
