Dhaka insists on Pakistan apology for genocide

Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh has clearly said that the bilateral relations with Pakistan would develop only when Pakistan would publicly seek apology for the atrocities committed in 1971 during the War of Liberation.
“Pakistan wants to develop relations with Bangladesh. We have told them to publicly seek apology for the atrocities committed in 1971. We have a political reason. If the apology sought, we can argue then. Otherwise, we cannot do it. This is clear and simple,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said this to the journalists at the State Guest House Padma on Sunday.
Referring to his recent meeting with Pakistan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar in Colombo on Saturday, he said, “Pakistan wants to develop relations with Bangladesh. I said to her that Pakistan should publicly apologise. She did not reply to anything directly, but she said that they have some limitations.”
“I said that we also have some limitations. However, her attitude is very much positive. They want to enhance relations with Bangladesh. They are also strengthening relations with other South Asian countries,” Momen said.
About the trade relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Dr Momen told Hina Rabbani, “The business relation with Pakistan has become one-sided. We export less than one hundred million dollars to Pakistan. But they export eight to nine hundred million dollars to Bangladesh.”
“I told her to take more items from Bangladesh. They have imposed anti-dumping restrictions on our items. I told them if you want to enhance relations, withdraw this anti-dumping policy,” he continued.
“About this issue, she said that it was a good point”, he added.  
Dr Momen also said that Pakistan has sought Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) as it has not taken place for a long time. He also said that during their conversation, Hina Rabbani mentioned the common challenges and aspirations of the countries in south Asia and to work together to enhance relations.
Apart from Dr Momen, other South Asian ministers also attended the ‘Independence Parade’ of Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday.
During this occasion, Momen had a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of India V Muraleedharan. They had a good discussion on the upcoming G-20 Summit in Delhi in the beginning of March.
Though Bangladesh is not a partner of G-20, India has invited Bangladesh to present the issues of Bangladesh before the platform.
On the occasion, Momen also attended a reception hosted by the Sri Lankan President in honour of visiting foreign ministers/dignitaries from other South Asian countries – namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan – and the secretary general of the Commonwealth as well as state minister for foreign affairs of Japan.