Bangladesh Seeks $4.52 Billion in Financial Reparations from Pakistan

• Bangladesh demands $4.52 billion from Pakistan over pre-1971 financial assets and unfulfilled cyclone aid commitments

• Dhaka reiterates call for a formal apology from Pakistan for the 1971 Liberation War atrocities

• Pakistan assures continued diplomatic engagement on pending bilateral matters during recent consultations

• Approximately 324,000 stranded Pakistanis remain in camps; Bangladesh urges expedited repatriation process

• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister scheduled to visit Dhaka on April 27–28, marking the first such visit since 2012

Bangladesh has sought $4.52 billion in financial reparations from Pakistan, encompassing its rightful share of pre-1971 assets from the period of undivided Pakistan. The claims include outstanding amounts from foreign aid, unpaid provident fund contributions, and matured savings instruments that were due prior to Bangladesh’s independence.

Bangladesh has reiterated its demand for $4.52 billion in financial claims from Pakistan, which includes $200 million in foreign aid sent to then-East Pakistan following the devastating 1970 Bhola cyclone. These longstanding issues were brought to the forefront during the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka, marking the first such dialogue between the two countries in 15 years.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, while Pakistan was represented by its Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. Addressing the media after the meeting, Md Jashim Uddin stated that Bangladesh raised several unresolved historical matters, including the demand for a formal public apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War and the settlement of outstanding financial claims.

He noted that Pakistan assured continued engagement on the issues raised. Emphasising the importance of resolution, the foreign secretary remarked, “These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations.” He also urged Pakistan to expedite the repatriation of Pakistani nationals stranded in Bangladesh, stating that while some individuals have been granted Bangladeshi citizenship, others who opted to return are still awaiting relocation. So far, 26,941 stranded Pakistanis have been repatriated, while approximately 324,147 remain in 79 camps spread across 14 districts.

Furthermore, Md Jashim Uddin confirmed the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, scheduled for April 27–28 — the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister to Dhaka since 2012. During her visit, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also held separate meetings with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, discussing a range of bilateral and regional matters.

The FOC was attended by senior officials, including Ishrat Jahan, Director General of the South Asia Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the High Commissioners of both nations. The consultations, initiated by Islamabad, are part of Pakistan’s broader initiative to renew and strengthen diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.