BRUSSELS, 31 March, 2021 (TON): Former Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., Hussain Haqqani stated that Pakistan should apologize to Bangladesh for all the atrocities it committed in 1971.

While referring to military’s roles in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and initiating genocide against the Bengalis, Haqqani said, "To this day, no apology has been forthcoming and I think the people of Pakistan should urge the government of Pakistan to offer a formal apology to the people of Bangladesh for all the atrocities that were committed in 1971."

In a virtual discussion organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels on 29 March on "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: An Iconic Leader of People's Struggle for Freedom,” he said that an apology will be the most courteous thing for Pakistan for the role they played in 1971.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen joined the event as chief guest, while Bangladesh Ambassador in Brussels Mahbub Hassan Saleh moderated it.

The think tank asserted that the feudal Pakistan rulers had never considered Bengalis as equals and were not ready to hand over the power to the elected representatives of then East Pakistan after the electoral victory of Bangabandhu's party, Awami League, in the national election of 1970.