THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the D8 summit in Cairo. This is a clear improvement from the frosty state of ties during Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s rule. With her clear preference for India, Sheikh Hasina did not seem interested in cordial relations with Pakistan. Dr Yunus’s tone is decidedly different. During his interaction with the PM, he highlighted the need to “settle” matters and “move forward”. He also said that reactivating Saarc was his “top priority”. Mr Sharif similarly echoed warm sentiments, calling for enhancement of commercial and people-to-people ties. Ever since the Hasina government was removed in August after popular unrest in Bangladesh, the interim set-up has taken steps to improve ties with Pakistan, and Dr Yunus’s comments reflect a desire to deepen the relationship, which has seen several ups and downs since the painful events of 1971.

The link between Pakistan and Bangladesh is historical and undeniable. Unfortunately, the Awami League used the 1971 war to inculcate permanent hostility against Pakistan and its people within the Bangladeshi population. In this respect, the interim government’s desire to look to the future is a welcome change. Some in Bangladesh want a formal apology from Pakistan for the excesses committed in 1971. It should be remembered that during a bilateral visit in 2002 Pakistan’s then ruler, Gen Pervez Musharraf, had noted that the “excesses committed [in 1971] … are regrettable”. However, if Bangladesh still insists on an apology, the issue can be discussed at the state level, but it should not be a precondition for talks. As for Dr Yunus’s hopes for Saarc’s revival, Pakistan has always been ready to resuscitate the regional forum. It is India that has torpedoed all attempts to do so. Bangladesh and other Saarc member states should let their feelings be known to India, as regional integration is beneficial to all. It is hoped that talks progress with the interim set-up in Dhaka, and whatever dispensation emerges after the elections is also in favour of strengthening ties with Pakistan. The separation of East Pakistan was an incredibly dark chapter in this country’s history. The truth of that traumatic event must be acknowledged, and both Pakistan and Bangladesh should move ahead in a spirit of reconciliation and mutual respect.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024