Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh wants to carry forward the bilateral relation with Pakistan on the solid foundation following the resolution of a number of unsettled issues including formal apology by Islamabad for the genocide committed in 1971.
Islamabad, however, said that they want to remain engaged with the unresolved issues including repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, rightful share of assets of undivided Pakistan and foreign aid allocated to the East Pakistan following Bhola cyclone in 1970.
The issues came up during the sixth Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations (FSLC) between Dhaka and Islamabad at the State Guest House Padma after 15 years.
Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin led the Bangladesh side while his Pakistani counterpart Amna Baloch led the Pakistan side to talks on multifaceted issues to carry forward the bilateral relations which were dormant during the whole Awami League tenure.
From the meeting, it was also decided that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka on a two-day official trip starting in April 27.
“The unresolved issues should be settled for a solid foundation of the bilateral relations. The Pakistan side said that they would like to remain engaged with these issues,” Jasim Uddin told the journalists during a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
He also said that he raised the historically unresolved issues with Pakistan, such as the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, rightful share of undivided assets, transfer of foreign aid sent for victims of the 1970 cyclone amounting $4.52 billion, and an official apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971.
“We conveyed that as a friendly neighbour in South Asia, we seek Pakistan’s cooperation in resolving these unresolved historical issues at the earliest and emphasided working together toward building a strong, welfare-oriented, and forward-looking relationship,” he said.
In reply to a question whether Bangladesh is tilting towards Pakistan, he said, “We are trying to normalise the stagnant relation keeping in mind the national interests as well as mutual respect and mutual benefits.”
He said Pakistan is one of our most important neighbors in South Asia. Strengthening relationships with all our neighbours is one of the key goals of our foreign policy.
In this context, both delegations agreed during the Consultations to take the existing relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan forward in the coming days, he added.
He also said that both sides emphasised the importance of economic and trade relations with Pakistan.
“I highlighted the need to enhance market access for Bangladeshi products to the Pakistani market, simplify trade procedures, remove tariff barriers, and boost Pakistani investment in Bangladesh,” he said.
“We also discussed enhancing cooperation in the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors, focusing on increasing production through technology, improved breeds, and exchange of experience.
Emphasis was also placed on sharing experiences in tackling climate change and flood prevention,” he pointed out.
About other issues, he said, discussions were held on improving transport and communication links between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“As you know, a direct shipping route has recently been launched between the two countries, and the resumption of direct flights to improve people-to-people connections and business relations was also discussed.
It is hoped that direct flights between the two countries will be resumed soon,” he said.
“We have already given permission to Fly Jinnah Airlines and another airline is in the pipeline for approval to increase connectivity between the people and businessmen,” he said.
Regarding other collaborations, he said, “We emphasised the importance of exploring new avenues for mutual cooperation in higher education and scientific research, as well as increasing the number of scholarships in these areas.”
“We also discussed the need to strengthen cultural and sports ties. Both sides encouraged cultural exchange through visits of artistes, painters, musicians, writers, and academics,” he added.
In reply to a question of the number of the stranded Pakistanis, he said that there are around 3,24,147 stranded Pakistanis in 79 camps in 14 districts.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of cooperation under SAARC and called for its revitalisation to promote regional cooperation, stability, and development in South Asia.
The meeting also discussed the implementation of the objectives of the OIC Charter and both countries condemned the genocide and gross human rights violations in Gaza Strip.
Regarding Rohingya issue, Bangladesh side sought Pakistan’s support for the safe repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their homeland in Myanmar.
“We believe that today’s comprehensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and global collaborative activities will contribute to taking forward the issues discussed and resolving our priority issues through mutual goodwill and consensus,” Jasim Uddin said.
Both parties emphasised the need to inject new momentum into bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The last FSLC was held in Islamabad in 2010. Following the FSLC discussions, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at his office.
The Pakistani Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings from the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Chief Adviser. On this occasion, the Chief Adviser reciprocated with his greetings to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The Chief Adviser expressed his hope for further advancement of the existing relationship between the two countries by resolving certain issues. He also discussed various aspects of bilateral relations.
Before meeting the Chief Adviser, the Pakistani Foreign Secretary also paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
