Bangladesh, Pakistan Bolster Ties But War Apology 'Unresolved'

Dhaka: Bangladesh and Pakistan, once bitter enemies after they split in 1971, agreed on Sunday to bolster long-strained relations, including increasing trade.

But Dhaka said a key issue, of wanting an apology from Islamabad for atrocities during the war when East Pakistan broke away to form Bangladesh, remained "unresolved".

"The scope and possibility of doing good for the two peoples of our two countries is tremendous," said Islamabad's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the most senior Pakistani official to have visited Dhaka since 2012.

Pakistan's military was accused of widespread atrocities during the 1971 war.

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Hundreds of thousands were killed -- Bangladeshi estimates say millions -- and many in Dhaka still demand Islamabad apologise for the killings.

Dhaka's foreign affairs adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain said that the issue of an apology was not solved, but agreed to strengthen ties between the nations.

"We have reached a consensus that the pending issues must be resolved so they don't stand as obstacles in our relationship," Hossain told reporters.

Agreements were signed to deepen trade and economic ties, as well as boost cultural exchanges.

Analysts say neighbouring India, which fought a four-day conflict with Pakistan in May, will be watching closely.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi turned icy in August 2024 after a mass uprising in Bangladesh ended the rule of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, prompting her to flee to India.

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