There has been a stir in the relations between bangladesh and pakistan after 15 years. In the recent foreign secretary level meeting, pakistan tried to improve the relationship, but bangladesh took a tough stand linking it directly to history. During the talks, Bangladesh has demanded a formal apology from pakistan for the atrocities committed in the 1971 Liberation War. Along with this, the outstanding compensation of $ 4.5 billion was also put forward.
Bangladesh considers Operation Searchlight of 1971 as a genocide. This campaign started on 25 march 1971, in which the Pakistani army took brutal military action against the Bengalis demanding independence in east Pakistan. In this operation, 30 lakh people were killed and more than 10 lakh women were raped. These incidents have affected the national consciousness of Bangladesh till date and this is the reason why bangladesh does not want to make any kind of compromise on this issue.
Pakistan's emphasis on improving relations
The objective behind Pakistan's recent efforts was to start new relations with the new Bangladeshi government, but when the Pakistani Foreign Secretary reached Dhaka, bangladesh clearly said that real progress in relations is not possible until pakistan apologizes and pays compensation. bangladesh also reminded that even though pakistan formally recognized it in 1974, it never apologized for the 1971 massacre. This is the reason why the relations between the two countries have been broken for years and every time a dialogue starts, this issue again comes in the way.
Historical and strategic importance of India
India has had historical and strategic importance in this entire development. In the 1971 war, india not only gave shelter to the refugees, but also played a decisive role along with the Mukti Bahini against the Pakistani army. The relations between india and bangladesh are still deep and Pakistan's diplomatic moves cannot break these relations. bangladesh has made it clear that until pakistan takes responsibility for its past, bangladesh will not forgive it. The memories of Operation Searchlight are not just history for Bangladeshis, but the foundation of their existence.
Echoes of history heard
At this time, the relations between the two countries are again at the same point where instead of dialogue, the echoes of history are heard. This is a challenging point for the new government of bangladesh as to how it balances foreign policy while maintaining its national consciousness. At the same time, this is a moment of introspection for pakistan whether it wants to accept its past and make a new beginning, or wants to maintain the relations as it is.
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