Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to formally apologise for the genocide committed during the Liberation War in 1971, while urging the resolution of other long-standing issues to strengthen bilateral ties.

“Regarding the long outstanding historic issues including a formal official apology for the genocide committed by Pakistan in 1971, division of assets, transfer of foreign aid that was meant for the cyclone victims of 1970, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, Bangladesh called for their early resolution in order to establish a solid foundation for enduring and forward-looking bilateral relations,” said a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The call came during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at a hotel in Dhaka.

The release added that the adviser stressed the need to deepen cooperative bilateral relations based on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests.

Both sides held frank and constructive discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in potential sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, education, health, energy, connectivity, people-to-people contacts, culture, tourism and disaster management.

Bangladesh emphasised the importance of unlocking untapped potential in all areas and acknowledged the need for regular diplomatic and sectoral engagements to that end.