In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh formally raised longstanding unresolved issues with Pakistan during the Foreign Secretary-level Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on Thursday—the first such meeting in 15 years between the two nations.
The Bangladeshi delegation, led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, pressed for a financial claim of USD 4.32 billion as Dhaka’s fair share from the assets of undivided Pakistan prior to 1971. Bangladesh also reiterated its demand for a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed by the Pakistani armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War.
In addition, Bangladesh sought the return of USD 200 million in foreign aid provided to East Pakistan following the devastating Bhola cyclone in 1970. The issue has remained a point of contention in bilateral relations for decades.
“We emphasized that these historical issues must be resolved to build a strong, welfare-oriented, and forward-looking relationship between the two countries,” said Foreign Secretary Momen during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “These unresolved matters are essential to laying a solid foundation for our future relations.”
The Pakistani delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who also held separate meetings with Bangladesh’s Interim Government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. Discussions during these meetings focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and exploring trade and business opportunities.
“There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward,” said Chief Advisor Yunus following his meeting with Baloch at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Baloch acknowledged the need to move beyond past challenges and focus on regional opportunities, stating, “We have huge intra-regional markets in our own right. We should use them. We can’t miss the bus every time.”
Notably, the Pakistani side refrained from making any official comment regarding the outcomes of the FOC.
During the consultation, it was also confirmed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit to Dhaka on April 27–28. His visit will mark the first by a Pakistani Foreign Minister to Bangladesh since 2012.
To prepare for this high-level visit, the interim government has formed a working group in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka to finalize agreements expected to be signed during Dar’s visit.
This renewed engagement signals a cautious but noteworthy step toward addressing historical grievances and fostering regional cooperation.
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