After 15 years, Bangladesh confronts Pakistan with fresh apology demand over 1971 genocide

Why is Bangladesh demanding an apology from Pakistan over the 1971 Liberation War?

In a historic diplomatic engagement after more than a decade, Bangladesh has officially revived its long-standing demand for a public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War. During foreign secretary-level talks held in Dhaka on April 17, 2025, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin raised the issue directly with his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch. The demand was framed not merely as a symbolic gesture, but as a critical component of reconciling historical grievances that have long hindered full normalisation of bilateral ties.

The 1971 war, which led to the secession of East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh, is one of South Asia’s most traumatic episodes. According to multiple independent estimates, around three million people were killed during the nine-month conflict. The Pakistani military was accused of widespread massacres, mass rapes, and the displacement of millions. Although Pakistan has acknowledged the conflict in various forms over the years, it has never issued a formal apology, a point that continues to be a core source of tension in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

What were the key demands presented by Bangladesh during the talks?

The April 2025 diplomatic talks, the first of their kind in 15 years, covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues. At the top of the list was the call for Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the 1971 atrocities. Bangladesh also reiterated its demand for the repatriation of over 300,000 stateless Urdu-speaking individuals, often referred to as “Stranded Pakistanis” or “Biharis,” who have remained in limbo in Bangladeshi camps for decades. Their repatriation had been agreed upon in principle under the 1974 tripartite agreement between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, but implementation has remained incomplete.

Another significant demand was financial in nature. Bangladesh requested $4.3 billion from Pakistan as part of its share in the undivided Pakistan’s national assets at the time of the 1971 split. This includes a portion of foreign reserves and aid that were earmarked for regions affected by the catastrophic 1970 Bhola cyclone but never disbursed to East Pakistan. The matter remains unresolved despite occasional discussions over the decades.

Why are these demands being raised now, and what is the political context?

The renewed push from Dhaka comes amid political changes in both countries. In Bangladesh, interim leader Muhammad Yunus has adopted a pragmatic foreign policy posture, following the controversial exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While his administration has sought to maintain strong ties with India, it has also expressed willingness to engage with Islamabad on unresolved legacy issues, provided that there is sincerity on Pakistan’s part.

Observers suggest the timing of these talks may also be linked to Pakistan’s own efforts to recalibrate regional relationships as it grapples with economic instability and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Islamabad’s decision to send Amna Baloch, a seasoned diplomat and former ambassador to several key capitals, indicates its intent to explore a thaw in relations, albeit cautiously.

Upcoming high-level visits are also playing a role in shaping this renewed engagement. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka on April 27-28, a visit expected to follow up on the items discussed in the foreign secretary-level talks.

How have historical events shaped the ongoing tensions between Bangladesh and Pakistan?

The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was sparked by the refusal of the West Pakistani military establishment to transfer power to the Awami League, which had won a majority in the national elections. This led to a brutal crackdown on civilians in Dhaka on March 25, 1971—an event that triggered widespread resistance and ultimately full-scale war.

India’s intervention in December 1971, after millions of refugees poured into its territory and following escalating tensions with Pakistan, turned the tide of the conflict. Pakistani forces surrendered to a joint India-Bangladesh command on December 16, 1971, resulting in the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The trauma of the war is deeply etched into Bangladesh’s national consciousness, where annual commemorations and public discourse regularly reference the need for accountability.

While Pakistan’s political and military leadership has acknowledged the events of 1971 in varying tones, the absence of a formal apology or any significant reparative gesture has kept relations strained. Public sentiment in Bangladesh remains overwhelmingly in favour of such an apology as a prerequisite for deeper engagement.

What role does regional diplomacy and economic strategy play in the current engagement?

Beyond historical grievances, both Bangladesh and Pakistan have economic incentives to improve ties. Bangladesh has emerged as a growing regional power with robust export-led growth, particularly in textiles and garments, and a growing services sector. Pakistan, facing a persistent balance of payments crisis and debt pressures, is seeking regional trade corridors to bolster its economy.

Recent statements from Bangladesh’s interim administration have suggested a willingness to resume direct air connectivity and consider expanded trade arrangements with Pakistan. Resuming air travel between Dhaka and Karachi or Lahore would mark a notable step in people-to-people contact, while trade liberalisation could benefit both economies, particularly in pharmaceuticals, garments, and agricultural goods.

However, diplomatic analysts caution that without progress on the legacy issues—especially the apology for 1971 atrocities and resolution of asset-sharing disputes—such economic overtures may struggle to gain domestic traction in Bangladesh.

What are the possible diplomatic and political outcomes of this demand for apology?

Pakistan has yet to issue a public response to Bangladesh’s latest demands, and it remains unclear whether Islamabad will adopt a conciliatory tone. Analysts suggest that any move towards a formal apology would likely need to navigate internal political sensitivities in Pakistan, where the military’s role in national history remains a delicate subject.

If Islamabad chooses to ignore or deflect the demand, it risks undermining the fragile momentum created by these talks. On the other hand, even a symbolic gesture of reconciliation—short of a full apology—could open the door for broader dialogue on trade, migration, and regional security.

For Bangladesh, raising the issue publicly places the ball firmly in Pakistan’s court, while also addressing domestic expectations. It allows Dhaka to demonstrate a principled stance on historical justice without immediately jeopardising future cooperation on economic or strategic fronts.

How could future negotiations shape South Asian geopolitics?

Should the current dialogue evolve into sustained negotiations, it may have implications beyond bilateral ties. Improved Bangladesh-Pakistan relations could rebalance regional alignments, especially as South Asia sees shifting equations involving India, China, the Gulf states, and the broader Indo-Pacific framework.

Bangladesh’s foreign policy has traditionally centred on strong relations with India and increasing engagement with China. A normalised relationship with Pakistan, while unlikely to replace ties with New Delhi, could give Dhaka more strategic flexibility. Similarly, for Islamabad, repairing relations with Dhaka would serve as a counterweight to India’s regional dominance and could even ease tensions within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has remained largely dormant due to India-Pakistan rivalry.

Ultimately, the demand for an apology over the 1971 atrocities may serve as a litmus test for the sincerity and maturity of South Asian diplomacy. Whether the past becomes a bridge or a barrier to the future now hinges on how both nations navigate this pivotal moment.