Bangladesh's demand for compensation and apology boils over: What is the mood in Pakistan and Bangladeshi media?

New Delhi, 19 April 2025: Bangladesh has demanded a formal apology from Pakistan and $4.52 billion in compensation for the 1971 Liberation War, which has again fueled tensions between the two countries. Bangladesh made this demand in the Foreign Secretary-level talks held in Dhaka after 15 years, after which the media of both the countries are spreading different colors on this issue. The Bangladeshi media is considering it a step towards historical justice, while the Pakistani media is calling it an "old rivalry" and "political drama". Let us understand the reactions of the media of both the countries and the meaning of this demand with the facts. 

Bangladesh's demand and basis of negotiations

At the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka on 17 April 2025, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin placed three major demands on Pakistan: an apology for the 1971 genocide, compensation of $4.52 billion, and the repatriation of more than 3 lakh stranded Pakistanis. Bangladesh also demanded that it be given its share of the $200 million foreign aid given for the 1970 Bhola Cyclone. The talks were the first since 2010, and gained momentum ahead of the proposed visit of Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka on 27-28 April. 

Bangladeshi media's stance

The Bangladeshi media has presented the demand as an attempt to heal historical wounds and national pride. The Dhaka Tribune described it as a "condition for strengthening relations with Pakistan", highlighting Jasim Uddin's statement: "These issues must be resolved so that the foundation of our bilateral relations is strengthened." Prothom Alo called it a demand for "justice to the martyrs of 1971" and wrote that the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus wants to take the issue to a "final solution".

Bangladeshi users on social media supported the demand with hashtags such as #1971Justice and #PakistanApologize. One user wrote on X, "It is our right to demand an accountability for the killing of 30 lakh Bengalis and atrocities against 10 lakh women." The Daily Star editorialised that the demand was an attempt at “not just economic but moral and emotional reparations”, and that Pakistan’s response would be a “test of its morality”.

Pakistani media response

Pakistani media covered the demand with a cautious and defensive tone. Dawn described Jasim Uddin’s demands as a “revival of old demands” and wrote that Pakistan had assured “continued engagement” on these issues. However, the paper also noted that the Pakistani delegation refrained from public comment on the outcome of the talks. The News International described the demand as a “political ploy by the new Bangladesh government”, suggesting that the Yunus government wanted to show closeness to Pakistan amid tensions with India.

Reactions on Pakistani social media were mixed. Some users called it an “unrealistic demand”, while others cited the 1974 apology when Pakistan apologised for war crimes. “We have already apologized. Now Bangladesh should move forward,” one user wrote on X. Geo News said in an analysis that the demand for compensation is “economically impractical” as Pakistan is already struggling with an economic crisis.

History of tension between the two countries

The 1971 war, in which the Pakistani army is accused of killing 3 million Bengalis and torturing more than 1 million women, caused a deep rift between the two countries. Pakistan apologized as part of an agreement in 1974, but Bangladesh considers it insufficient. The Sheikh Hasina government had made the apology a condition of relations, but the Yunus government is raising it more aggressively.

India and the global context

India, which played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, is keeping an eye on the developments. Indian media, such as Hindustan Times and India Today, described it as a “moral victory” for Bangladesh, but also considered it a political move amid India-Bangladesh tensions. The Times of India wrote that this demand could affect regional dynamics.

Future prospects

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch talked about increasing trade and cooperation, but did not give any clear answer on apology and compensation. Ishaq Dar's visit could be decisive on this issue. Analysts believe that Pakistan is unable to pay compensation due to economic pressure, but may consider an apology.

Conclusion

Bangladesh's demand for compensation and apology has reopened the wounds of 1971. The Bangladeshi media considers it a fight for justice, while the Pakistani media sees it as a political gamble and economic impracticality. This tension between the two countries can also affect regional stability and relations with India. Will Pakistan apologize, or will this issue remain unresolved for decades again? Ishaq Dar's visit could answer this.