Excesses in great numbers were committed against those who had surrendered and given up or were defenseless in a hostile population. Would this include the grievances of the Biharis who were targeted as well?
To MBI Munshi and the rest of the BDs:
Hardening of stances is the exact thing that we want to avoid. 1971 is a raw nerve on both sides (Pak and BD). I think the best way forward for the two countries is to understand each others sensitivities around it and continue on the path towards very close and cordial relations.
I also agree that the election of AL does not really have any anti-Pakistani basis. Their coming into power has more to do with the situation on the ground in BD than a great surge of anti-Pakistan or "lets go after Pakistan for 1971 crimes" sort of emotions. AL played to the gallery in putting up a good alternate to BNP by enticing the youth and won the day. Now the question for all is, whether it makes sense for AL to continue on with the past history of irritating relations with Pakistan. If BD does it right, the AL government will continue with improving relations with both Pakistan and India (neither should be at the expense of the other).
The 1971 episode should really be put behind us. Most of the actual players are already dead or nearing death (and this is the case for both sides). I know AL supporters typically cannot buy this argument, however in the interest of better relations, both countries would need to look past the history. I would even suggest that contrary to the trial of those accused as proposed by Iajdani, maybe a reconciliation tribunal along the lines of the one in South Africa would be a better way to get over the past. At least it wont be acrimonious.
