Pak to remain engaged in Bangladesh’s $4.52b claim, 1971 apology demand

A Pakistani government delegation, led by its foreign secretary, has assured Bangladeshi officials of “remaining engaged” on the issues of settling $4.52 billion owed to Bangladesh, and making an apology for the Pakistani war crimes committed in 1971.

Addressing reporters, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch made the assurance during a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka on Thursday.

The FOC was the first of its kind meeting between the two South Asian nations in nearly 15 years, and was called for by the Pakistani side as part of efforts rapidly improve ties with Dhaka.

During her tour of Dhaka, the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Baloch also met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Speaking with Yuunus, Baloch said Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to "harness the potential between the two countries."

"We have huge intra-regional markets on our own right. We should use it," Baloch said. "We can't miss the bus every time."

Pakistan owes Bangladesh $.4.52 billion in pre-war assets that include foreign aid, provident fund and other financial instruments. Nearly $200 million in foreign aid sent to the then East Pakistan for the 1970 cyclone relief efforts were never disbursed.

Pakistan has also never apologised for the atrocities committed by its armed forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

Baloch’s tour sets the tone for Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka on 27-28 April. His visit would further strengthen relations between the two countries, Baloch hoped during talks with Prof Yunus.