Khairul Alam :  During the Foreign Secretary-level talks between Bangladesh and Pakistan held in Dhaka, Bangladesh raised several long-standing unresolved issues, including a formal apology for the 1971 genocide and compensation for financial losses incurred before independence, according to the Bangladeshi government.

However, the press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made no mention of these unresolved issues.

Following the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting held on Thursday (April 16) in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md. Jashim Uddin, briefed the media and emphasized that Bangladesh considers resolving historical disputes crucial to improving relations with Pakistan.

He stated, “We have once again raised the issue of a formal apology for the genocide committed during the Liberation War. Additionally, we have demanded $4.32 billion in compensation based on Bangladesh’s rightful share of assets before independence.”

He also mentioned that the discussions prioritized the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh, equitable distribution of undivided properties, and the transfer of international aid sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone.

However, the press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday did not reference any of these critical unresolved matters.

Instead, it stated that the sixth FOC focused on revitalizing bilateral relations and emphasized cooperation in political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic areas.

According to the release, Islamabad aims to strengthen ties with Bangladesh based on their shared history, cultural heritage, and the aspirations of their people.

It also highlighted that recent high-level dialogues at various international forums (in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah) have contributed positively to bilateral relations.

The press release mentioned that connectivity was also discussed during the meeting. The proposal for direct shipping routes between Karachi and Chattogram was welcomed, and there was a call to resume direct air flights between the two countries.

Islamabad proposed offering higher education opportunities to Bangladeshi students in Pakistani agricultural universities, while Bangladesh offered technical training in its fisheries and marine sectors.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over progress in easing visa policies and travel arrangements. The need to revitalize SAARC was also underscored.

During the meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, referring to it as “illegally occupied” by India and called for a resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

The two countries jointly condemned Israeli attacks and human rights violations in Gaza, according to the statement.

Outside the FOC meeting, Amna Baloch also met with the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain.

The press release concluded by announcing that the next Foreign Secretary-level meeting will be held in Islamabad in 2026.