DHAKA (The Thursday Times) — During a recent meeting with Syed Ahmed Maroof, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Nahid Islam, an advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, expressed a desire to resolve long-standing issues stemming from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. According to a notification from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Nahid emphasised that the interim government seeks to address historical grievances with Pakistan, framing the 1971 conflict as a continuation of history rather than a closed chapter, as previously portrayed by the Awami League.
Pakistan, in turn, reiterated its willingness to address the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. High Commissioner Maroof expressed Pakistan’s interest in opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, lamenting that past governments, particularly the Awami League, had not facilitated discussions on this sensitive issue. “We want to resolve the 1971 issue,” Maroof stated. “The previous government did not allow for dialogue and kept the issue alive deliberately. This matter could have been settled long ago, but we are still interested in re-establishing relations with Bangladesh.”
Nahid noted that a resolution of the 1971 issue could contribute to broader regional cooperation, especially in building a democratic and stable South Asia. He emphasised that while Bangladesh is open to establishing ties with any nation, it must do so in a way that preserves its independence, sovereignty, and national interests. He also pointed to the cultural and historical bonds shared by both countries, which are rooted in the Indo-Muslim civilisation, despite their distinct national identities shaped by language and culture.
One of the focal points of the discussion was the lingering impact of the 1971 conflict, during which Bangladesh fought for its independence from Pakistan. The war saw widespread atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, leading to the deaths of approximately 3 million people. For decades, Bangladesh has sought a formal apology from Pakistan for these war crimes, along with international recognition of the atrocities as genocide. However, no resolution has been reached in the more than half-century since the war.
The meeting also touched on more contemporary issues affecting bilateral relations. High Commissioner Maroof raised concerns about political obstacles that have hampered visa issuance and airport procedures over the last 15 years. He also offered Pakistan’s assistance in dealing with ongoing flood relief efforts in Bangladesh. Nahid, while appreciating the offer, noted that the situation was under control but assured Maroof that Bangladesh would reach out for assistance if the need arose in the future.
