NCP Calls for Resolution of 1971 Issues

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has urged for the resolution of the long-standing issues surrounding the events of 1971, in order to foster improved bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Party leaders confirmed that the matter was raised during a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, who is currently visiting Dhaka.

On Saturday (23 August), a seven-member NCP delegation met Ishaq Dar at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. Following the meeting, the party’s Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain spoke to the media, emphasising that the history of hostility between Bangladesh and Pakistan should not hinder opportunities for positive relations.

He stated: “The NCP believes that despite the adversarial relations of the past, there is now an opportunity for improvement. For any form of relationship to advance, the 1971 issue must be addressed. We raised this matter directly with them.”

According to the NCP, there remain three unresolved historical matters between Bangladesh and Pakistan which continue to obstruct the development of relations:

The NCP stressed that without addressing these fundamental issues, meaningful progress in bilateral ties would remain difficult.

When asked whether Ishaq Dar had made any specific commitments, Akhtar Hossain responded: “The matter will be conveyed by Pakistan.”

In reply to a further question from journalists, the party’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said: “We told them that the 1971 issue should be resolved without delay. They (the Pakistani delegation led by Ishaq Dar) said they are prepared to address it.”