Bangladesh Seeks Apology and $4.32 Billion Compensation from Pakistan for 1971 War and Bhola Cyclone Aid

In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh has officially urged Pakistan to issue a formal apology for the atrocities committed by its forces during the 1971 War of Liberation. Additionally, Dhaka has raised a long-pending financial claim of $4.32 billion, which includes its share of pre-1971 assets and foreign aid money meant for cyclone victims.

A Dark Chapter in History

The 1971 War of Liberation led to the independence of Bangladesh after a brutal nine-month conflict with Pakistan. The war began following Operation Searchlight, a military crackdown launched by the Pakistani army to suppress Bengali demands for autonomy. The operation resulted in the killing of an estimated 30 lakh (3 million) people and the rape of over one million women, making it one of the darkest episodes in South Asian history.

Despite the passage of over five decades, Bangladesh has not received a formal apology from Pakistan for the war crimes and human rights violations committed during the conflict. The issue remains a sensitive one in Bangladesh’s national consciousness and continues to affect bilateral relations.

Unresolved Financial Claims

During recent Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka at the State Guest House Padma, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin brought up the subject of financial claims pending since 1971. He pointed out that Pakistan has yet to hand over Bangladesh’s rightful share of the financial assets of undivided Pakistan.

The $4.32 billion claim includes:

• Bangladesh’s share of pre-1971 Pakistani government assets.
• Unpaid provident funds and savings instruments.
• Aid money sent by the international community following the 1970 Bhola Cyclone.

Notably, $200 million in foreign aid, which was intended to assist victims of the devastating Bhola Cyclone, was never allocated to the eastern region, now Bangladesh. The cyclone, which struck in November 1970, claimed up to 500,000 lives, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, making it the deadliest tropical cyclone in recorded history.

Repatriation and Relief Camp Concerns

Bangladesh also raised the issue of more than 300,000 stranded Pakistanis, often referred to as “Biharis,” who have been living in relief camps across the country since 1971. Their repatriation has been a long-standing concern that both nations have failed to resolve over the decades.

Building a Path Forward

Despite the serious nature of these unresolved issues, both nations have expressed a desire to improve relations. Md. Jashim Uddin announced that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 27-28, 2025, which could provide an opportunity to address these matters more constructively.

There are also hopes of launching direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which could promote increased people-to-people contact and economic cooperation.

Mutual Interests and Future Cooperation

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who led her country’s delegation at the FOC, separately met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. During the discussions, she stressed the need to tap into the potential of intra-regional trade and cooperation.

“We have huge intra-regional markets on our own right. We should use it,” Baloch said, adding, “We can’t miss the bus every time.”

While both countries remain cautious, the meetings suggest a shared interest in turning the page—provided that historical injustices are acknowledged and addressed in good faith.