Echoing popular sentiment, Dhaka seeks apology from Islamabad

By Nava Thakuria*

Bangladesh's interim government recently requested an apology from Islamabad for the 1971 genocide by Pakistani forces during a foreign secretary-level meeting in Dhaka on April 17. This Foreign Office Consultation, the first in 15 years, also involved other issues raised by Bangladesh, while Pakistan emphasized continued dialogue. Although interim leader Professor Muhammad Yunus seeks to resolve issues with Pakistan, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had strongly advocated for an unconditional apology until her resignation following student protests last July-August.

The current Dhaka regime echoes this sentiment, despite Hasina's refuge in Delhi. Bangladesh asserts that Pakistani troops killed approximately three million people and raped over two hundred thousand Bengali women in 1971, culminating in Pakistan's surrender on December 16 after Indian support for freedom fighters. Dhaka also pressed for the repatriation of roughly three hundred thousand stranded Pakistani citizens.

Prior to Bangladesh's independence, significant East Pakistani migration to Assam occurred due to linguistic similarities with the Assamese. The liberation war exacerbated this influx, burdening Assam, though locals initially supported the Bengali speakers. However, the situation became alarming for Assamese people, leading to the anti-foreigner Assam Movement in the 1980s demanding detection and deportation of illegal migrants.

The central government's response was the 1985 Assam Accord, asking Assam to accept pre-March 25, 1971 migrants. Shockingly, Assam was left to bear this burden alone, with little concern from Parliament. Subsequent Assam governments also failed to address the continued influx, a recurring issue in state and national elections, exploited by political opportunists.

Now, Dhaka's interim government is reportedly pursuing legal action against Hasina, currently in Delhi, for alleged involvement in mass killings during the monsoon uprising. Bangladesh has appealed to INTERPOL for a Red Notice against Hasina and associates. While not arrest warrants, Red Notices are international requests to locate individuals for legal proceedings.

This development could embarrass New Delhi, given Hasina's asylum without formal declaration. Professor Yunus reportedly reiterated the demand for Hasina's repatriation during a recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok. New Delhi may need to navigate this situation carefully, potentially considering discussions with Dhaka regarding ongoing migration from Bangladesh to India, particularly Assam.

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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati

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