Foreign relations analysts in Dhaka are closely observing the outcome of the recent Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan, stressing the need for political-level follow-up, particularly on sensitive issues such as Pakistan’s apology for the 1971 genocide and the long-standing matter of asset division.
Former ambassador and foreign policy expert Humayun Kabir noted that the Pakistani foreign secretary’s participation at the FOC lent the discussions added significance, especially since it marked the first official-level dialogue between the two countries in 15 years. He said that the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka later this month could serve as a platform to advance the issues raised, according to BSS.
"The issue of an official apology for the 1971 atrocities was indeed discussed, and if an apology can heal an old wound, then there is no logical reason why Islamabad should not offer one in the interest of improving bilateral relations," Kabir said. He also highlighted that the present moment could be an opportune time for Pakistan to take this step.
Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University’s International Relations Department echoed similar sentiments, questioning why Pakistan has yet to issue an official apology when other nations such as France and Japan have done so for past atrocities. He also emphasized that while the financial value of the disputed assets may not be large, resolving the issue would remove another hurdle in strengthening ties.
Ahmed underlined that bilateral relations should be rooted in mutual interest and not influenced by either country's external alliances. "The relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan should solely focus on the welfare and economic benefit of their respective peoples," he said, noting that Bangladesh currently holds a stronger economic position compared to Pakistan.
He added that political goodwill alone would not be enough to transform the relationship, and concrete steps such as opening Pakistani markets to Bangladeshi products would be necessary.
Former ambassador Mahfuzur Rahman, who previously served as Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, pointed out that the resumption of the FOC was itself a sign of Pakistan’s willingness to engage after a long pause. He said the upcoming political-level dialogue, particularly during Ishaq Dar’s visit, would be crucial in determining whether the issues discussed at the FOC would gain traction.
“We now look forward to the political-level response to the foreign secretary-level discussions, and ideally a joint press conference that would provide clarity on the outcomes,” Rahman said.
Observers agree that meaningful progress in Bangladesh-Pakistan ties will depend on how seriously Islamabad responds to Dhaka’s long-standing demands and whether economic cooperation can be leveraged to build a more constructive and forward-looking relationship.
