Bangladesh-pakistan operation search light: Bangladesh and Pakistan relationships have shown a stir after 15 years. In the recent Foreign Secretary level meeting held, Pakistan tried to improve the relationship, but Bangladesh took a tough stand directly connecting it with history. During the conversation, Bangladesh has demanded Pakistan to formal apology for the atrocities in the 1971 liberation struggle. Also put out the outstanding compensation of $ 4.5 billion.
Bangladesh considers the 1971 Operation Searchlight as a massacre. The campaign started on 25 March 1971, in which the Pakistani Army took a brutal military action against Bengalis seeking independence in East Pakistan. In this operation, 30 lakh people were killed and more than 10 lakh women were raped. These incidents have affected the national consciousness of Bangladesh till date and that is why Bangladesh does not want to compromise on this issue.
Pakistan’s emphasis on improving relationship
The objective behind Pakistan’s recent efforts was to introduce new relations with the new Bangladeshi government, but when Pakistan Foreign Secretary reached Dhaka, Bangladesh clearly said that the real progress in the relationship is not possible until Pakistan does not apologize and gives compensation. Bangladesh also reminded that Pakistan may formally recognized him in 1974, but never apologized for the 1971 genocide. This is the reason that the relationship between the two countries has been broken for years and every time a dialogue starts, then this issue again arises in the middle.
Historical and strategic importance of India
India has had historical and strategic significance in this entire development. In the 1971 war, India not only gave shelter to refugees, but also played a decisive role against Mukti Bahini against the Pakistani Army. The relations between India and Bangladesh are still deep and Pakistan’s diplomatic tricks cannot break these relations. Bangladesh has made it clear that Bangladesh will not forgive him until Pakistan takes responsibility for its past. Memories of Operation Searchlight are not just history for Bangladeshis, but the foundation of their existence.
Heard the echo of history
At this time, the relationship between the two countries is again at the same point where the echo of history is heard instead of dialogue. It is a challenging turn for the new government of Bangladesh how it balances foreign policy by maintaining its national consciousness. At the same time, it is a moment of introspection for Pakistan whether it wants to accept his past and make a new beginning, or to maintain relationships in the status quo.
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