Dhaka to Raise 1971 Issues During Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister’s Visit

Dhaka is set to discuss unresolved issues from 1971 with Pakistan during the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on August 23, 2025, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday (August 4), Hossain emphasized that the interim government is approaching its relations with Pakistan in a “pragmatic way,” ensuring all matters, including a public apology and due compensation for the 1971 atrocities, will be on the table for discussion.

“Every issue will be on the table,” Hossain said when asked whether Bangladesh would raise the demand for a formal apology and financial reparations from Pakistan. He highlighted that the interim government is keen on addressing these issues during Dar’s visit later this month, marking a significant engagement after a 15-year gap in formal talks between Dhaka and Islamabad.

On April 17, 2025, during foreign secretary-level talks in Dhaka, Bangladesh raised historical unresolved issues, including a formal public apology for the atrocities committed by Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War and pending financial claims. Former Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin stressed that resolving these issues is essential for building a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

Hossain clarified that Bangladesh does not dictate how India manages its relations with Pakistan, nor does India influence Bangladesh’s approach. He emphasized a balanced approach, noting that Bangladesh does not want one aspect of relations to hinder progress in others. The visit, which includes a bilateral meeting with Hossain on August 24, follows a postponed trip in April due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. In July 2025, during a meeting on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution at the United Nations, Hossain and Dar expressed concern over the ongoing Israeli aggression and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine, reaffirming their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. They also reviewed bilateral ties, committing to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation while exploring enhanced connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. **Key Points:** - **Visit Date**: August 23, 2025 - **Bilateral Meeting**: August 24, 2025, with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain - **Issues Raised**: 1971 Liberation War apology, financial compensation, and stranded assets - **Context**: First significant bilateral engagement after 15 years