Yunus Urges Pakistan to Resolve Unsettled Issues from 1971

Staff Reporter

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus called on Pakistan’s leadership to address unresolved issues stemming from the Liberation War of 1971 during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday, December 19, on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit.

“These matters continue to resurface. Resolve them so we can move forward together,” Yunus urged Shahbaz.

In response, Shahbaz acknowledged that many issues were resolved under the 1974 tripartite agreement among Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. However, he expressed readiness to address any remaining unsettled matters.

Both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral relations through exchanges of trade, business, sports, and cultural delegations. Shahbaz also expressed willingness to assist Bangladesh in managing its sugar industry and combating dengue outbreaks.

Dr. Yunus and Shahbaz discussed revitalizing SAARC, which has been a significant focus of Yunus’s foreign policy as interim government head. Shahbaz emphasized strategic relations between Dhaka and Islamabad, expressing Pakistan’s interest in strengthening ties with its “brotherly nation, Bangladesh.”

He offered technical assistance to improve state-run sugar mills in Bangladesh and expressed condolences over dengue-related deaths in the country. Shahbaz proposed sharing Pakistan’s expertise in dengue management, highlighting Punjab’s globally recognized fight against dengue a decade ago.

“We can send a team whose experience could benefit Bangladesh,” he said.

Dr. Yunus thanked Shahbaz for his support and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting was attended by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Dr. Yunus’s special envoy, Lutfe Siddique. During the talks, Siddique invited Dar to visit Bangladesh in February en route to Malaysia, an invitation Dar accepted.

Shahbaz also extended an invitation to Dr. Yunus to visit Pakistan at a convenient time.