Want better ties with Pakistan not overlooking ‘71: Foreign Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said the current government did not give any impression at all to Pakistan that Bangladesh is willing to build good relations leaving aside the 1971 issue.

“We have not seen any words coming from Pakistan. I personally think the relations will be easier if they (Pak government) show the courage to refer to what happened in 1971 and say that they are sincerely seeking apology,” he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing.

Bangladesh wants Pakistan to seek apology publicly with a formal announcement for the atrocities it perpetrated against unarmed Bangalees in 1971.      

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus called for the revival of Saarc as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia when he met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters.

“It was entirely a courtesy meeting. We don’t raise difficult issues in such courtesy meetings. When we will sit down for discussion, we will raise such difficult issues,” said the Foreign Adviser.

He said they will try to maintain good relations with Pakistan but 1971 issues will be there. “1971 is always in our hearts.”

During his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, Pakistan’s PM Sharif said Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a “new page” in their relations to enhance cooperation in various aspects. “It’s essential we revive our relations,” he said.