DHaka, Dec 20: Bangladesh has urged Pakistan to address the historical issues stemming from 1971, emphasizing the need for both countries to progress in their relationship “once and for all for future generations,” according to a report from the state-run news agency.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo on Friday, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed enhancing their partnership through increased trade, commerce, and cultural exchanges.
Yunus expressed to Sharif the importance of resolving the 1971 issues to advance relations with Islamabad, stating, “These issues have repeatedly surfaced. Let’s settle them to move forward.”
In response, Sharif indicated that while the 1974 tripartite agreement among Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India had addressed many concerns, he would be open to discussing any remaining issues.
Yunus emphasized the importance of reaching a definitive resolution “for the sake of future generations.”
On April 9, 1974, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan signed a tripartite agreement in New Delhi, following the 1971 Liberation War. This agreement focused on the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners of war held in India and the resettlement of affected populations.
The two leaders also touched upon the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), with Sharif encouraging Yunus to explore the possibility of convening a summit for the regional body.
Calling for a strategic partnership between Dhaka and Islamabad, Sharif noted: “We are eager to strengthen our ties with our brother nation, Bangladesh.”
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Sharif expressed appreciation for the facilitation of trade and travel between the two nations, including the removal of the requirement for 100 percent physical inspections of goods from Pakistan.
Sharif also invited Yunus to Pakistan and thanked him for making air travel easier for Pakistani passengers heading to Bangladesh.
A significant milestone in bilateral trade occurred recently when the first direct cargo vessel from Karachi arrived at Chittagong port in mid-November. Additionally, Bangladesh has announced plans to resume direct flights to and from Pakistan shortly. (PTI)
