Advisor Nahid calls for resolution of 1971 issue with Pakistan

He says while AL views 1971 as ‘the last chapter of history,’ they see it as a continuation of history

Advisor Nahid Islam has said the interim government wants to resolve the 1971 Liberation War ‘issue’ with Pakistan, highlighting that Bangladesh’s creation depended on the 1947 Partition movement.

He spoke of the stance during a meeting with Pakistan’s high commissioner to Dhaka, Syed Ahmed Maroof, at the information and communication technology ministry in Dhaka, according to a ministry notification.

Pakistan has expressed interest in establishing relations with Bangladesh and resolving the Liberation War issue, it said.

In the meeting, the high commissioner conveyed Pakistan's willingness to address the 1971 question, saying: “We want to resolve the 1971 issue. However, the previous government (Awami League) did not provide us with any opportunity for discussion and deliberately kept the issue alive.

“This matter could have been resolved long ago. We are interested in establishing relations with Bangladesh.”

Nahid said: “For the Awami League, 1971 was considered ‘the last chapter of history’. However, we (the interim government) view it as a continuation of history. We want to resolve the 1971 issue with Pakistan.”

He emphasised the need for strong relations to build a democratic South Asia, and said: “We are interested in maintaining relations with any country while upholding Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and national interests.”

Maroof offered help for flood relief, but Nahid said the situation was under control and there was no immediate need.

He added that they would ask for help if needed later.

The 1971 Liberation War saw Bangladesh’s struggle for independence from oppressive Pakistani rule, with the Pakistani military accused of atrocities leading to the death of around 3 million people.

Bangladesh has long sought an apology from Pakistan for these atrocities and international recognition of the genocide.

Despite the fluctuations in relations over the past 53 years, no resolution has been reached.

Maroof also said visa issuance and airport procedures have been hindered politically over the past 15 years.

Nahid highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two countries as part of the Indo-Muslim civilisation.

He stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations to build a democratic and balanced South Asia.

He added: “There is a deep bond between the people of Bangladesh and Pakistan as Muslim-majority countries, although Bengali language and culture give Bangladesh its distinctiveness.”

The high commissioner congratulated Bangladesh on its first Test victory against Pakistan and feared his country may go on to lose the series.