Pakistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has urged Bangladesh to “clean your hearts” and move forward from the unresolved issues of 1971, during his official visit to Dhaka on August 24, 2025. His remarks came as he met Professor Mohammed Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, marking the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister to the country in over ten years.

The visit carries strong symbolic and political weight, as relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have often been strained due to the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War, in which Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, gained independence after a bloody conflict. For decades, issues related to the war, including calls from Bangladesh for a formal apology from Pakistan, have remained unresolved, casting a shadow over bilateral ties.

During his meeting with Professor Yunus, Dar emphasised the importance of moving forward rather than remaining anchored to the past. He said, “It is time to clean your hearts and move ahead. Our nations should work for cooperation, not confrontation.” He highlighted areas where Pakistan and Bangladesh could strengthen their relationship, including trade, education, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.

The phrase “clean your hearts” was particularly striking, signalling an attempt by Islamabad to soften rhetoric while also urging Dhaka to set aside grievances linked to the 1971 war. Analysts note, however, that this could be seen in Dhaka as insufficient, since Bangladesh has long sought a clearer acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role in the conflict.

Bangladesh, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, has adopted a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritising economic growth, international partnerships, and stability in South Asia. During the meeting, both sides discussed the need for greater people-to-people engagement, business partnerships, and regional stability.

Diplomatic observers see this as part of a broader effort by Pakistan to reset ties with Bangladesh, particularly in the context of shifting South Asian geopolitics. With India strengthening its regional influence, and China investing heavily in Bangladesh’s infrastructure and energy sectors, Pakistan is likely attempting to position itself as a partner rather than a distant neighbour.

Historically, Pakistan-Bangladesh relations have had periods of engagement followed by tension. Since Bangladesh’s independence, the issue of an official apology for atrocities committed during the 1971 war has been a persistent roadblock. While Pakistan has expressed regret, it has stopped short of issuing a formal apology—something Dhaka continues to expect.

Ishaq Dar’s visit marks the first high-level bilateral engagement between the two nations in more than a decade. Previous attempts at reconciliation included parliamentary and ministerial exchanges, but they often faltered due to sensitive historical narratives. By visiting Dhaka now, Pakistan seems to be signalling that it is ready for a fresh start in relations, though success will depend on how sincerely the historical issues are addressed.

Professor Yunus, widely respected globally as a Nobel laureate and social entrepreneur, has been known for his emphasis on reconciliation and forward-looking diplomacy. His government has focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s global economic role, and his meeting with Dar may reflect an openness to engage with Pakistan, provided that the dialogue is respectful and constructive.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister also stressed economic cooperation as a potential area of growth. Pakistan sees opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, while Bangladesh could benefit from energy cooperation and market access. Both countries are part of regional organisations like SAARC and the OIC, where closer collaboration could boost their diplomatic standing.

Still, the challenge remains: how to balance historical grievances with present-day opportunities. For many in Bangladesh, the wounds of 1971 remain deep, and without an official apology or acknowledgment of the past, reconciliation may remain incomplete. Yet, the pragmatic voices in both countries argue that future generations should not be burdened by the disputes of the past.

Dar’s words—“clean your hearts and move ahead”—reflect that sentiment. Whether the message resonates in Dhaka remains to be seen, but the visit itself is a sign that Pakistan is attempting to rebuild bridges after years of silence.

As South Asia navigates complex shifts in trade, security, and geopolitics, improved ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could contribute to regional stability. However, the road to reconciliation will require more than symbolic visits; it will require trust-building, historical acknowledgment, and mutual respect.

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