Dhaka-Islamabad foreign office talks raise hopes for political follow-up

News Desk :: Foreign affairs analysts in Dhaka are closely watching for political-level follow-up after the recent foreign office consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and Pakistan, where critical issues such as an apology for the 1971 genocide and asset sharing were raised.

Former diplomat and foreign relations expert Ambassador Humayun Kabir told BSS that the talks, led by Pakistan’s foreign secretary, were significant as they came after a 15-year hiatus. He noted that upcoming political engagements, particularly the expected visit of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka later this month, could determine the next steps.

Kabir, who heads the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), said the issue of a long-overdue official apology from Pakistan was discussed during the FOC. “If an apology can help heal old wounds, there is no reason Islamabad should avoid it, especially if it means better ties with Dhaka,” he said.

Professor Imtiaz Ahmed of Dhaka University’s international relations department echoed similar sentiments, questioning why Pakistan had refrained from apologizing despite precedents set by other nations such as France and Japan. He added that while the asset-sharing issue might not be financially significant, resolving it could pave the way for stronger bilateral relations.

Ahmed also stressed the importance of keeping bilateral relations independent from the countries’ relations with any third party. “Ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan should serve the people and economies of both countries—particularly Bangladesh’s interests,” he said.

He pointed out that Bangladesh currently enjoys a stronger economic position than Pakistan, and future progress depends on Islamabad’s willingness to open its market to Bangladeshi products. “Political goodwill alone is not enough,” he said.

Former ambassador Mahfuzur Rahman noted Pakistan’s apparent eagerness to resume diplomatic engagement, with the FOC marking the first official-level meeting in 15 years. He said further political-level discussions during Dar’s visit could shape the direction of future relations.

“We expect to see a follow-up to today’s foreign secretary-level talks and possibly a joint press conference,” said Rahman, who previously served as Bangladesh’s deputy high commissioner in Islamabad.