During Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch‘s recent visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh demanded $4.52 billion in pre-independence asset claims. In the meeting, which came after a decade and a half of stagnant relations, Dhaka also called for a formal apology for the genocide committed during the 1971 Liberation War. At the same time, Dhaka said that Pakistan ‘agreed’ to continue discussions on these issues.
However, the statement received from Pakistan at the end of the discussed meeting did not address Bangladesh’s demands for apology and reparations.
Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, additional secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Pakistani foreign ministry, was approached to comment on Islamabad’s position on this issue. The diplomat served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh from 2020 to 2023. He told Daily Jugantor that Pakistan believes Bangladesh’s claims have been ‘resolved under established agreements.’
Abdul Majid Chowdhury, sub editor of Jugantor Online’s international desk, conducted the interview via email, where Siddiqui was asked about his much-discussed meeting with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the past. However, he did not provide specific response about that meeting, citing ‘diplomatic courtesy’. Instead, he spoke about various regional issues.
Q1. Bangladesh has demanded $4.52 billion in pre-1971 assets from Pakistan and claimed a formal public apology for 1971. Bangladeshi authorities raised this issue at the FOC-level meeting. What could be the position of Islamabad in this regard?
Answer: The resumption of FOC after 15 years marks a meaningful step in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. The dialogue was constructive and forward-looking, with both sides articulating their positions, including on matters Pakistan considers resolved under established agreements.
Q2. This is the first FOC-level meeting held in Dhaka since 2010. Are you confident that meetings at this level between the two countries will continue regularly after an elected government comes to power in Bangladesh?
Answer: There is no reason for the FOC not to continue. It remains a valuable channel for deepening engagement and advancing mutual interests.
Read the full article from Muktipotro
