Bangladesh demands apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide

The message was conveyed by Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam to the Pakistani envoy to Dhaka.

New Delhi: Bangladesh has demanded an apology from Pakistan for the 1971 genocide. The message was conveyed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam to Pakistani envoy at Dhaka, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. 

In a statement, the Bangladeshi minister said: "It is important to resolve outstanding bilateral issues with Pakistan, including an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971". He also called for settling the issue of the division of assets between the two countries. 

The development comes as Bangladesh celebrates 50 years of its Independence.

In 1971, Pakistani troops committed atrocities in the then East Pakistan leading to an international humanitarian crisis. Several million poeple died due to the actions of the Pakistani army but ultimately Bangladesh gained its independence.

Though this is not the first time that Bangladesh has raised the 1971 genocide issue with Islamabad.

During Pakistan envoy's meet with Bangladeshi PM Shiekh Hasina in December, 2019, the latter had sternly reminded him that atrocities committed by the Pakistani army against her country can neither be forgotten nor forgiven.

Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi minister during his meet with envoy said Dhaka is keen to enhance ties with all neighbouring countries and, “in line with that spirit, we look forward to engaging with Pakistan”. He urged Pakistan to grant access to more Bangladeshi products by utilizing the existing SAFTA provisions, relaxing the negative list and removing trade barriers.