21/04/2025
THE APOLOGY
In 1974, Sheikh Mujib during his epic visit to Pakistan showed magnanimity, and announced to forgive, forget and move forward. This didn't go down well with those who wanted permanent hate between the two people. Possibly, this also became one of the reason for his tragic murder a few weeks later.
In 1986, Hussain Ershad rubbished the slogan as contrary to Bangabandhu legacy, when it was raised by certain elements who wanted to harp this issue for political gains.
In 2004, General Musharaf, who was at the time not only the Army Chief, but also the all powerful President of Pakistan visited the martyrs monument in Dhaka to express deepest regrets, and offered unconditional apology both in writing at the monument and also as a statement in front of the media.
Assessing the current positive sentiments amongst the people and Govt of Pakistan, keen on reforging fraternity with our separated brothers...yet another formal apology should not be a problem.
There are unconfirmed speculations that a joint session of Pakistani Parliament could be convened to pass a formal Resolution in this regard.
In the spirit of goodwill agreed in 1974, Pakistan isn't likely to raise the issue of countless massacres of West Pakistani families across East Pakistan, mostly by intruding Indian army personal instigating Mukti Bahni rebels.
Hope that will end the politicization of this issue by certain vested interests inside Bangladesh, and will also end the manipulative instigation by those outsiders who conspired to seperate us, and want the divide to continue.
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© Ayaan Shakib