IN THE heart of every Bangladeshi, the Liberation War of 1971 resonates as a saga of valour and unspeakable sorrow. It is a story that, even after half a century, begs for a concluding chapter鈥攁n official apology from Pakistan for the wartime atrocities.
While the exact number of lives lost varies based on sources, as entities, researchers, universities, and government claims put the number between a few thousand and up to three million, the fact that inhuman acts of violence took place against innocent civilians and non-combatants is undeniable. It is undoubtedly one of the worst genocides and ethnic cleansing in human history, and it was state-sponsored by the then government of Pakistan. Besides the loss of lives, thousands of women lost their dignity. The deliberate elimination of society鈥檚 intellectuals was a calculated attempt to cripple Bangladesh at its very foundation.
The year 1971 is etched in the collective memory of Bangladesh as a period of indescribable horror and heroism. The fight for independence from Pakistan was stained by a brutal campaign of atrocities by the Pakistani military. Countless families were torn apart and communities shattered in what has been described by many as a genocidal onslaught. The scars of these atrocities are carried not just in the history books but in the lived experiences of survivors and their families. The tales of pain, loss, and resilience from that period are integral to Bangladesh鈥檚 national identity.
In 1974, a significant yet veiled moment of concession emerged in the strained relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, as detailed in a New York Times article dated April 11, 1974. Pakistan offered what was perceived as a face-saving apology for the violence inflicted by its army during the 1971 Bangladesh war. This gesture was intricately tied to the concurrent decision by Bangladesh to abandon the proposed war crimes trials of 195 Pakistani army officers. These trials, if pursued, threatened to expose and embarrass Pakistan on an international stage by highlighting the extent of the atrocities committed in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The apology, rather than being a forthright acknowledgment of the widespread atrocities committed against the Bangladeshi people, was framed more as a regret for the misuse of power by these officers. It fell short of a complete, unambiguous apology for the widespread suffering and human rights violations endured by the people of East Pakistan during the war, leaving a lingering sense of injustice and a need for more profound reconciliation. This nuanced approach to apology served to protect the image of Pakistan while allowing for the repatriation of its military personnel, illustrating the complexities of diplomatic resolutions in the face of historical atrocities.
The war had culminated in the glorious victory of December 16, 1971, heralding the birth of Bangladesh. Yet, this victory also began a long journey for justice and acknowledgement that continues today. Bangladesh鈥檚 endeavour to obtain an apology from Pakistan is not merely a diplomatic initiative; it is deeply rooted in the emotional fabric of the nation. This ongoing journey is laden with complexities that intertwine the painful legacy of the past with the intricacies of international relations. The corridors of power in Dhaka have consistently echoed with calls for this acknowledgement, and these demands have reverberated in global forums, including the United Nations, where Bangladesh has sought to bring international attention to this unresolved issue.
The government in Bangladesh, regardless of their political affiliations, has been united in this demand for an apology. This persistent call reflects a collective yearning for closure and healing. It is seen as a necessary step in mending the deep, still-raw wounds left by the atrocities of 1971. The pursuit of this apology is not just about addressing historical wrongs; it is about acknowledging the suffering and resilience of millions of Bangladeshis and honouring the memory of those who were lost.
However, despite these sustained efforts, the response from Pakistan has been consistently evasive. These calls for an apology have often been met with silence, which is perceived in Bangladesh as a denial or a diminishing of their suffering. On occasions when responses have been forthcoming, they have been regarded as inadequate, lacking the sincerity and depth that the situation demands. This absence of a formal, clear, and heartfelt apology has become a source of national anguish in Bangladesh, a constant reminder of the pain and loss that have yet to be formally recognised.
The lack of acknowledgement from Pakistan is not just a matter of unresolved historical narrative; it is a continuing emotional burden for the people of Bangladesh. It represents a barrier to healing, leaving a gaping wound in the nation鈥檚 collective memory. This unacknowledged suffering, borne by millions, continues to shape Bangladesh鈥檚 national identity and its global justice and human rights outlook. The quest for an apology, thus, remains a crucial element in the nation鈥檚 journey towards reconciling with its past and moving forward into a future where such atrocities are universally acknowledged and never repeated.
This unresolved chapter of history casts a long, sombre shadow over the diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. An unspoken yet ever-present undercurrent of grief and injustice tinges interactions. The absence of an apology is not just a diplomatic issue; it is a continuing source of sorrow and frustration for the people of Bangladesh and a barrier to genuinely normalising relations.
Around the world, nations have come to recognise that acknowledging past wrongs is essential for reconciliation. The heartfelt apologies extended by Germany for the Holocaust and Japan for wartime atrocities are profound examples. These acts of contrition and acknowledgement have not erased the past but have allowed wounds to heal.
Bangladesh鈥檚 demand for an apology stands within this global context. It seeks to transform a painful past into a foundation for a more understanding and reconciled future. The Bangladeshi government, reflecting the pulse of its people, is urged to amplify its call for an apology.
This is not just about political manoeuvring; it is deeply ingrained in the nation鈥檚 psyche. The voices of survivors and their descendants must be amplified in international arenas, echoing the pain of loss and injustice. This appeal transcends generations, serving as a collective cry for acknowledgement and closure. It is time for more assertive diplomatic endeavours, global advocacy, and legal avenues to bring this issue to the forefront of international consciousness.
As Bangladesh strides forward, the shadows of 1971 linger, waiting for the solace of acknowledgement. An apology from Pakistan is more than a diplomatic formality; it is a key to unlocking the chains of past traumas. It is a step towards healing, towards validating the experiences of those who suffered. The quest for this apology is not just a fight for justice; it is a testament to Bangladesh鈥檚 unyielding spirit and commitment to ensuring that the truth of its history is acknowledged and remembered.
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Quazi Tafsirul Islam is a senior lecturer at North South University.