After a long interval, Pakistan has sent a high commissioner to Bangladesh, displaying a desire to develop diplomatic ties. They need to come forward further. Many Pakistani policymakers want Bangladesh to make things easier by forgetting 1971 and moving head. But that is not easy for Bangladesh, it is not even possible. It would be more practical to immediately address and resolve the problems created by the 1971 chapter. Those cannot be evaded.
I was born few years after 1971, I honestly love Bangladesh, I do not exactly know why, I have no wish for any unitary relationship. I think the separation would have happened eventually, it was a stupid arrangement, never in history had such a country existed, especially separated by a large hostile neighbour, it was inevitable. Still, Bangladesh has special place in my heart.
But, unless someone can educate me with reason, presently, the problems in the relationship lay purely on the side of Bangladesh.
The above paragraph captures it perfectly.
"After a long interval"? that was not due to Pakistan, but Bangladesh had refused to accept an ambassador appointment by Pakistan, that was the cause of the delay, I mean who does that, its crazy.
I think 1974, the 3 countries signed an agreement to put things behind us and look to the future, so surely that has already been done, to dig it out after 50 years seem rather ridiculous. In all these demands, who is talking about all the West Pakistanis, Urdu speaking, Beharis and Pakistani Bengalis who were killed, raped and tortured, how are they going to get justice. Or do they not matter? if these things are to be awakened after 50 years, then justice and forgiveness is not a one way street. there is pain on both sides.
So, rather then killing old man, based to discredited trials, and throwing tantrums, it would be wise to have a proper mature discussion.
I personally think Pakistan should give an explicit apology, if that is what the people of Bangladesh want, but then the Bangladeshi government also needs to own up to the part played by their side, including India and the Indian army in the killings.
Everything has to be put on the table, it is extremely unfair to put the blame on the doorsteps of Pakistan, and it is childish to demand that nothing will happen until one side says sorry, and the other side claim the moral high ground.
Discuss and apologise, YES, but by everyone who was involved, not just one party. That's justice.