Shakil Talukder :  Bangladesh has demanded $4.32 billion from Pakistan, as announced by Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin following a meeting between Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Foreign Ministry, data from the Finance Ministry, Planning Ministry, and Bangladesh Bank indicates that Bangladesh is entitled to $4.52 billion from Pakistan for its share prior to 1971.

A significant portion of this amount was aid sent for the then-East Pakistan after the 1970 cyclone, including $200 million in foreign assistance. During the Liberation War, this amount was transferred from the Dhaka branch of the State Bank of Pakistan to its Lahore branch.

The Foreign Secretary stated that Bangladesh aims to move forward with Pakistan, keeping national interests in mind, despite previously strained relations.

Discussions also focused on resolving historical unresolved issues and expanding market access for Bangladeshi products.

He further announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan will resume soon, with both countries emphasizing the need to bring new momentum to their relationship.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday and was welcomed at the airport by Ishrat Jahan, Director General (South Asia Division) of the Foreign Ministry.

Following recent political changes in Bangladesh, Pakistan is focusing on normalizing and advancing bilateral relations with Dhaka. Bangladesh seeks a positive and constructive relationship, including cooperation in trade and commerce.

As part of this effort, the foreign secretaries of both nations met in Dhaka on Thursday, marking the first such meeting in nearly 15 years.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month, and the secretary’s visit aimed to finalize the agenda for this trip.