Pakistan’s attempt to reset ties with Bangladesh has backfired after Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar faced sharp rebuttal in Dhaka. During his official visit, Dar claimed that the issue of Pakistan’s apology for the 1971 atrocities had been resolved decades ago. But Bangladesh’s interim government immediately rejected his remarks, exposing Pakistan’s “false narrative” on one of the most painful chapters in South Asian history.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh’s Stern Response
Tauheed Hussain, foreign advisor to interim Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, categorically denied Dar’s claims. Speaking to the media, he said:
“Dar’s statement is not correct. We have raised unresolved issues, including a formal apology for the atrocities of 1971, claims on assets, and the case of stranded Pakistani citizens. If these matters had been resolved, they would not remain on the table.”
Hussain further emphasized that historical wounds cannot be erased overnight, saying that “nobody expects issues pending for 54 years to be solved in a single day.”
📜 Ishaq Dar’s Controversial Claim
After meeting Hussain, Ishaq Dar told reporters that Bangladesh’s demand for an apology was resolved in 1974 and 2000, suggesting that no further discussions were needed. But his comments were met with immediate resistance from Dhaka, which continues to insist on an official acknowledgment and apology for the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War.
🤝 Talks and MoUs Signed
Despite the heated exchange, both countries signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreed to keep discussions open. Hussain stated that while Pakistan and Bangladesh have presented their respective positions, any forward movement in relations will require honest dialogue on historical grievances.
📅 A Rare High-Level Visit
Ishaq Dar’s trip marked the first visit by a senior Pakistani minister to Bangladesh in over a decade. The last such visit was in 2012 by Hina Rabbani Khar. While Pakistan seeks to mend ties with Dhaka—especially after Sheikh Hasina’s exit and Mohammad Yunus’s rise to power—Bangladesh has made it clear that the scars of 1971 cannot be brushed aside.
⚖️ Conclusion
The failed attempt by Ishaq Dar to downplay Bangladesh’s demand for a formal apology has only deepened mistrust. While both nations agreed to pursue dialogue and signed MoUs, the unresolved 1971 atrocities issue remains the single largest obstacle to genuine reconciliation. For Bangladesh, truth and acknowledgment outweigh diplomatic gestures.
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