DHAKA, April 21, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today raised the issue of genocide committed by Pakistani occupancy forces during the Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971 when Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Syed Ahmed Maroof paid a courtesy call on him.  
 
“Naturally, there was a discussion on the issue (1971 genocide). I also shared my personal sufferings,” the minister said while responding to a question of a reporter at the foreign ministry here.
 
According to the foreign ministry, during the meeting, both sides emphasized on expanding cooperation in trade and agricultural and people-to-people contact.
 
They also agreed to work together at the United Nations and other international organizations for promoting common interests.
 
Bangladesh seeks an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed during the 1971 Liberation War in Bangladesh.

Postpone of Indian FS visit:  

Responding to another query, the foreign minister said that the planned official visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Bangladesh was postponed due to their various internal reasons.
 
“It (visit) was postponed because of various internal (India's) reasons,” he said, referring the ongoing election in India.  
 
The Indian foreign secretary was scheduled to make a brief visit in Dhaka on April 20 though it was not officially declared by any side.