Bangladesh is calling on Pakistan to formally apologize for alleged atrocities committed by its military during the independence war of 1971.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni made the demand Sunday during a meeting with Pakistan's new envoy to the country, Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi.

A ministry statement says Moni called for Pakistan's understanding and recognition of Bangladesh's position on resolving problems between the two nations, including settling the issue of repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, division of assets and war reparations.

Bangladesh won its independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a nine-month war. Bangladesh says an estimated 3 million people died during the war, while millions of others were displaced and 200,000 women were raped.