Bangladesh wants official apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide
Bangladesh has reiterated the importance of resolving outstanding bilateral issues with Pakistan, including an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide it committed during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971.
Dhaka also sought completion of the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh, and settling the issue of the division of assets.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam raised the issue when High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddiqui met him today.
The state minister welcomed the high commissioner and highlighted that enhancing relations with all neighbouring countries is a foreign policy priority of the government.
"In line with that spirit, we look forward to engaging with Pakistan," he said.
Shahriar also urged Pakistan to grant access to more Bangladeshi products by utilising the existing SAFTA provisions, relaxing the negative list and removing trade barriers.
The current trade balance tilts towards Pakistan.
High Commissioner Siddiqui conveyed the very best wishes of the people and the government of Pakistan to the state minister and said he would give due diligence to advancing bilateral relations in every possible area of cooperation.
Both sides agreed on the need to hold the long-pending Foreign Office Consultations, which was last held in 2010.
The state minister assured the envoy of cooperation and assistance during his tenure in Dhaka.
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