|| OpinionPakistan’s New Affection: A Hand of Friendship or a New Strategy for Old Interests?-Tarikul IslamPakistan’s recent diplomatic interest in Bangladesh, frequent communication, and friendly behaviour have naturally raised an important question. Can a country that once took up arms against Bangladesh’s independence, carried out genocide, and denied the democratic rights of Bengalis truly want to become Bangladesh’s sincere friend today? Or, in the changing realities of the present time, has Pakistan adopted a new strategy to pursue its geopolitical and economic interests under the mask of friendship? This is not a question of emotion; rather, it must be judged in the light of history and national interests.In the history of Bangladesh, Pakistan is not merely the name of a neighbouring country or a former state partner; Pakistan is the name of a state that stood against our independence. From 1947 to 1971, the people of East Bengal were subjected to political, economic, cultural, and military discrimination. The clear mandate of the Bengali people in the 1970 election was denied. Then, on March 25, 1971, one of the most horrific military operations in history began. Through the loss of millions of lives, the abuse of countless women, and the displacement of millions of people, the Bengali nation paid the price for its independence.The biggest question is—55 years after independence, has Pakistan accepted responsibility for that history? The answer is still not clear. Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded a formal apology from Pakistan for the genocide of 1971. At the same time, there are unresolved issues between the two countries regarding financial assets, liabilities, and other historical matters. However, Pakistan has yet to offer a clear, official, and unconditional apology that could, at least to some extent, show respect for the wounds of the people of Bangladesh. Instead, even in recent years, some high-level Pakistani officials have claimed that the unresolved issues of 1971 were “settled long ago”—a position with which Bangladesh has publicly disagreed.In this reality, it is not unusual to remain cautious about Pakistan’s current “affection.” In international politics, permanent interests are often more important than permanent friends or enemies. This old reality of international politics also applies to Pakistan. In the changing geopolitical situation of South Asia, Bangladesh has emerged as an important economic and strategic power. Bangladesh’s location on the Bay of Bengal, its connection between South and Southeast Asia, its growing economy, and its role in regional diplomacy have made the country far more important to Pakistan than before. Therefore, the question may naturally arise—is Pakistan’s new interest in friendship driven by genuine goodwill towards Bangladesh, or by its own strategic needs?In recent times, discussions have taken place between the two countries regarding increased cooperation in trade, communication, travel, and other areas. Analysts have also pointed to growing diplomatic and strategic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, there is also an assessment that geopolitical calculations, rather than mutual trust, are playing a greater role behind this growing warmth in relations.Bangladesh’s biggest mistake would be to judge its relationship with Pakistan purely through emotion. Neither blind hostility nor blind friendship should guide Bangladesh. What Bangladesh needs is realistic diplomacy. Trade with Pakistan may take place, educational and cultural exchanges may increase, and people-to-people relations may also develop. As an independent country, Bangladesh will certainly develop relations with all nations based on mutual interests.However, developing relations and forgetting history are not the same thing. If Pakistan wants to become a friend of Bangladesh, it must first create a moral foundation for friendship. A clear and unconditional state apology for the genocide and atrocities of 1971 is one of the major conditions for such a foundation. At the same time, sincere steps must be taken to resolve the long-standing financial and state-related issues between the two countries. One cannot deny responsibility for the past and at the same time demand friendship in the future.It is especially important to remember that Bangladesh is no longer the war-torn country of 1971. Today’s Bangladesh is an independent, self-respecting, and promising nation. There is no room for Bangladesh’s development, economy, and national security to become part of any country’s strategic game. Relations with any country should not reach a stage where Bangladesh’s foreign policy becomes a tool in another country’s regional rivalry.There may be tensions or differences of opinion between Bangladesh and India. However, blindly moving towards Pakistan as an alternative to resolving problems in relations with India cannot be a wise strategy. Reducing dependence on one country only to fall under the strategic influence of another is not a sign of an independent foreign policy.Bangladesh’s policy should be—friendship with all, but blind loyalty to none; trade with all, but not at the cost of national interests; diplomatic relations with all, but not by selling history and national dignity.Therefore, rather than permanently defining Pakistan as Bangladesh’s “eternal enemy” purely on emotional grounds, it can be said that Pakistan has played a deeply hostile and painful role in Bangladesh’s history—a responsibility that has still not been fully acknowledged or resolved. There is no reason to blindly accept Pakistan’s sudden call for friendship while leaving that history unresolved.The door to friendship should not remain closed, but the door must also be guarded. Bangladesh will maintain relations with Pakistan for its own interests, not for Pakistan’s interests. Friendship must be based on equality, not sympathy. Cooperation must be carried out with transparency, not in exchange for hidden geopolitical calculations. Most importantly, future relations must be built not by forgetting 1971, but by acknowledging the truth of 1971. Because when a country cannot admit its past crimes, one must think a hundred times before trusting its present promises.If Pakistan truly wants to become a friend of Bangladesh, the responsibility of proving that lies with Pakistan. Bangladesh’s responsibility is to carefully examine its national interests, history, and the security of future generations behind the smiling face of diplomacy. We must ensure that the sweet words of the present do not make us forget the bloody history of the past, and that Bangladesh’s development and sovereignty are not harmed by any new strategic game. That should be the greatest caution of our time.Author: Tarikul IslamJournalist and ColumnistE-mail: tarikulbdnews@gmail.com