Bangladesh on Thursday raised historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal apology for the genocide committed by the then Pakistani armed forces in 1971 and Bangladesh's fair share of undivided wealth and laid emphasis on resolving pending issues to put the relations on a “solid foundation.

Bangladesh also flagged a figure of US$ 4.32 billion as part of its financial claim demanded from Pakistan as Dhaka and Islamabad held the Foreign Office Consultations after a long 15 years.

The 5th FOC at the foreign-secretary level was held in Islamabad in 2010.  

“We said that as a friendly neighbor of Bangladesh in South Asia, we seek Pakistan's cooperation in building a strong, welfare-oriented and forward-looking relationship with Pakistan by resolving the existing historical unresolved issues at the earliest and we emphasize on working together towards this end,” Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the FOC.

Bangladesh also raised unsettled issues like repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and transfer of foreign aid funds sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone.

Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led their respective delegation at the FOC at State guest house Padma as the two South Asian countries are keen to strengthen their ties.

Ways needed to overcome hurdles for stronger ties with Pakistan: Chief Adviser

Though the Bangladesh side briefed the media, the Pakistani Foreign Minister declined to make any comment when approached to know about the meeting outcome.

"These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bangladesh sees willingness from the Pakistan side to remain engaged on those issues as the talks began between Dhaka and Islamabad after 15 years.

Asked what the reply from the Pakistan side was, the Foreign Secretary said they assured them of remaining engaged with Bangladesh in the coming discussions. "They (Pakistan) would like to remain engaged. Our aim was to flag the issues," he said.

The Foreign Secretary said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28.

Ishaq Dar’s upcoming trip to Dhaka will mark the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister since 2012.

Jashim said Pakistan is one of the important neighbors in South Asia and advancing relations with all the neighbors is one of the goals of Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

In this context, he said, both sides agreed in the consultations to further advance the existing relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the coming days.

The Foreign Secretary said they emphasized economic and trade relations with Pakistan. 

“I emphasised on strengthening efforts to increase market access opportunities to increase the export of Bangladeshi products to the Pakistani market, simplify trade procedures and remove customs barriers and increase Pakistani investment in Bangladesh," he said.

Jashim said discussions were also held on increasing cooperation in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, so that production can be increased through the exchange of technology, improved varieties and experience. In addition, emphasis was placed on exchanging experiences of the two countries in combating climate change and preventing floods.

He said they discussed issues on the development of transport and communication systems between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

“As you know, recently, direct shipping routes have been opened between the two countries and the issue of increasing people-to-people contacts and trade through the resumption of direct flights has also been discussed. It is hoped that direct flights will be possible soon,” Jashim said.

Unsettled issues need to be resolved to put ties on solid foundation: Dhaka to Islamabad

He said they have emphasized the need to explore new opportunities for mutual cooperation in higher education and scientific research and have emphasized the increase in the number of mutual scholarships in these areas.

In addition, the need to strengthen relations in the fields of culture and sports has also been discussed, Jashim said, adding that cultural exchange has been encouraged by both sides through visits by artists, painters, musicians, writers and academicians of the two countries.

He said they highlighted the importance of cooperation under SAARC and called for its revival, so that regional cooperation, stability and development in South Asia can be taken forward.

Bangladesh also sought Pakistan's support for the safe return of forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens to their homeland in Myanmar. 

The Foreign Secretary said Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain separately and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Director General of South Asia Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Ishrat Jahan and High Commissioners of Bangladesh and Pakistan also attended the meeting.