‘Pakistan must apologise for 1971 genocide’: Bangladesh rejects claims, Islamabad invokes religion

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Bangladesh, where he claimed that the differences between the two countries over the 1971 Liberation War had already been “settled.” His remarks came shortly after Dhaka reiterated its long-standing demand that Pakistan issue a formal apology for the 1971 genocide committed during the conflict.

Bangladesh refutes Pakistan’s stance

Responding to Dar’s statement, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Tauheed Hussain dismissed Islamabad’s claim and made it clear that enduring ties between the two nations can only be built by addressing unresolved historical issues.

The 1971 genocide

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the Pakistani military faced accusations of mass killings and sexual violence against civilians. While Dar insisted that Pakistan has already apologised twice, Dhaka continues to stress that a full acknowledgement of the atrocities remains a prerequisite for reconciliation.

Religion invoked to heal rift

In his remarks, Dar also appealed to shared religious identity, saying: “Islam tells us to purify our hearts.” However, Dhaka appears firm on its demand that Islamabad must first confront its past before looking ahead.