Meeting with Pakistan FM: NCP urges resolution of 1971 issues to improve Bangladesh-Pakistan relations
Published: 24 August 2025, 4:34:30
The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) has called for unresolved issues from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War to be addressed as a prerequisite for improving relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The appeal came during a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, who is visiting Dhaka.
The meeting, held on Saturday evening at Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, was attended by a seven-member NCP delegation.
After the discussions, NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain said, “We tried to convey to Pakistan the perceptions that the people of Bangladesh hold. While the past relationship between the two countries was strained and hostile, there is now an opportunity for improvement. Resolving the 1971 issues must be prioritized to foster better relations.”
The delegation also discussed potential areas of bilateral cooperation, including education, economic development, and cultural exchange. Hossain emphasized that such engagement should be based on equality and mutual respect, without any hegemonic or ‘big brother’ attitude.
Regarding Pakistan’s stance, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari stated, “We discussed water-related challenges in South Asia and ways to manage our rivers effectively. Pakistan shared its experiences in various sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting opportunities for reducing production costs and increasing exports in Bangladesh’s medicine sector.”
The parties also explored the possibility of establishing cultural centers, expanding university exchange programs, and enhancing defense cooperation. Foreign policy issues concerning Bangladesh after the 1971 Liberation War and the 1971-1974 period were also reviewed.
On regional cooperation, Patwari noted discussions on reviving SAARC, which has been largely inactive due to India’s influence, and exploring economic collaboration to boost prosperity in South Asia.
Regarding the resolution of 1971-related disputes, Patwari said, “We conveyed that these issues must be resolved promptly, and Pakistan indicated its readiness to address them.”
