Bangladesh asks Pak to 'apologise' for 1971 war crimes

Dhaka, Nov 21 (ANI): A senior Bangladeshi official has urged Pakistan to formally apologise for alleged atrocities and acts of genocide committed by the Pakistani military during the 1971 war.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dipu Moni made the demand in a meeting with Pakistan's new envoy to Bangladesh, the Daily Times quoted a statement released by the ministry, as saying.

According to the statement, Moni "sought Pakistan's understanding and recognition of Bangladesh's position on resolving the outstanding issues including an expression of formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide and atrocities committed in 1971".

It said Moni also wanted to settle the issues of division of assets and war reparations.

Insisting that resolving these long-standing issues was important to maintaining good relations with Pakistan, Moni said: "Early resolution of the outstanding issues would enable the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan to make a great leap for ward and create a wider space for cooperation." (ANI)