EAST Pakistan seceded from Pakistan and becamean independent nation of Bangladesh in December 1971. It took many years for acrimony and bitter feelings of hate to simmer down and eventually it was on 22nd February 1974 that Bangladesh was recognised by Pakistan and diplomatic relations were established with the opening of embassies in both countries. Pakistan’s relations with its former part have been rather strained during the last five decades but recently after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina some positive winds of change have started blowing across the strained political landscape of the two countries.
In a recent gathering in the international relations department of Dhaka University an eminent professor Shahid-uz-Zaman proposed a nuclear treaty with Pakistan to counter the Indian influence. This proposal was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm and loud applause from the participants of the gathering.
The professor even suggested that Pakistan should install the Ghauri ballistic missiles along the Indian border and surprisingly the idea of a nuclear treaty with Pakistan was greeted with a lot of support from the public in Bangladesh. The idea of a nuclear treaty between the two countries may not be practical or it may even sound rather fantastic but it must be noted that there is an undercurrent of positive sentiments for Pakistan in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has always accused Pakistan of many atrocities committed during 1971and the persecution and oppression of Bengalis during the Pakistan period of their history. The sentiments being expressed now in Bangladesh were unthinkable just a short while ago. The 15 years rule of Sheikh Hasina was a period of intense hatred and even animosity towards Pakistan. During this period Pakistani diplomats in Dhaka were continuously harassed and threatened by the security forces and serving in Dhaka was more painful than being in Delhi. Trade relations never improved and even obtaining a visa for Bangladesh was a herculean task. Things were so bad that even the Pakistani high commissioner in Dhakahad to face the threat of abduction by the intelligence agency of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina had moved so close to India that all policies regarding Pakistan were dictated from New Delhi and she did nothing without getting blessings from the Indian Govt. There are no two opinions about the fact that the tragic events of 1971 must be condemned in the strongest possible words but Hasina towed the Indian narrative demanding an unconditional apology and accepting her allegations of genocide by the Pakistan army in 1971. Pakistan has always tried to bury the hatchet and move on towards better relations but not on the conditions dictated by Sheikh Hasina Wajid. after the fall of Hasina Wajid it’s a different ball game now.
Now is the time to make a fresh start and embrace Bangladesh with a renewed determination and resolve. Now is the time to begin a new chapter in the relations between the two brotherly countries. The winds of change expressed in the statement of the university professor and the public acceptance of his remarks is a clear proof that the time is now ripe for a fresh initiative. Pakistani diplomats in Dhaka are now working in a more friendly and conducive environment and do not face threats and intimidation from state agencies of Bangladesh. The fly in the ointment is the happenings of 1971and the numerous allegations of killings and torture. These allegations must be taken seriously and the issued addressed to the satisfaction of the Bangladesh Govt. and people. Now is the time to forgive and forget.
The present Govt. in Bangladesh is very keen to mend fences with Pakistan. They want increased trade, tourism and joint ventures in both countries. Pakistan has always been reluctant to offer any kind of apology for the tragic happenings of 1971but the people of Bangladesh still want some form of acknowledgement from Pakistan but we must remember that the climate in Dhaka is now favorable and we can move forward to correct the wrongs of the past. Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet the Bangladeshi Head of Govt. Dr. Mohammed Younus during the General Assembly session in New York and this meeting between the two countries at the highest level should prove to be the event to break the ice. Let us not forget that Bangladesh until 1971 was a province of Pakistan and it is unlike any other country so it must get our special attention especially when all indicators are in our favor.
In Pakistan there are hardly any Bengali speakers whereas Urdu is widely spoken and understood in Bangladesh. Now is the time to start a student exchange program and a movement to teach the Bengali language in Pakistan. We must try to appreciate the beautiful Bengali culture their rich literature and poetry to really know Bangladesh.
The problems in East Pakistan started because of the language and cultural differences in 1952 but there were also issues like poor representation in military and civil services, economic disparity, discrimination and the dominance of West Pakistan in every field of national life. The protest movement kept growing until the “Operation Searchlight” in March 1971 proved to be the last nail in the coffin of a united Pakistan. Today we just cannot ignore the twenty four years of East Pakistan. Some powerful elements in Pakistan called the tragedy of 1971as “Good riddance” and were very happy to be rid of the Bengali nation but time has proved them very wrong.
Bengalis were in the forefront of freedom movement for Pakistan and today Bangladesh has offered an olive branch and extended a hand of friendship, we must grasp this opportunity because such a chance may not come again. Today we have problems with India and Afghanistan. Iran and China are also neighbors but any closer relations with them are likely to arouse the ire of the western world. Today our national interest is to embrace our brothers in Bangladesh.
—The writer is Professor of History, based in Islamabad.
