Diplomatic Hurdles: Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations Deteriorate Amidst Apology Stalemate

The diplomatic efforts to improve relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been hampered by Pakistan’s reluctance to apologize for its actions during the 1971 war. The visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Bangladesh was expected to improve ties, but it instead exposed ongoing disagreements. The core disagreement stems from Pakistan’s unwillingness to apologize for the 1971 atrocities against Bangladeshis. The Bangladeshi government has made it clear that the issue is far from resolved. In response to Dar’s claim that discussions had taken place previously, Md. Touhid Hossain, the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister, immediately countered, highlighting the disagreement on the issue. The situation is further complicated by Bangladesh’s demands for compensation, including a request for $4.52 billion for its share of pre-1971 assets.