BANGLADESH STUDIES

ASSINGMENT:1

MAY 14, 2023

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT
GROUP-4
 ASSINGMENT
BANGLADESH STUDIES

What is Martial Law:

Martial law is a temporary government rule, which is imposed by the military in
response to a crisis situation. It is a state of emergency that suspends ordinary law, and
allows the military to take control of civilian government functions. During martial law,
military personnel are given the authority to make and enforce laws, maintain order and
security, and perform other functions of civilian government. Martial law is usually
declared during times of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies when the
government cannot maintain order or perform its normal functions. It is meant to be a
temporary measure, and is lifted when the crisis situation is over and the civilian
government can resume its functions.

Martial Law 1958:

Martial Law of 1958 was a significant event in Pakistan's political history. It was imposed
on October 7, 1958, by General Ayub Khan, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the
Pakistani Army at the time. The Martial Law suspended the Constitution and dissolved
the civilian government, and General Ayub Khan assumed the role of the President of
Pakistan. This marked the beginning of a period of military rule that lasted for more than
three decades. During this time, Pakistan was ruled by military dictators who wielded
absolute power and suppressed democratic institutions and civil society. The Martial
Law of 1958 had a significant impact on Pakistan's political and economic history. While
some economic reforms were introduced during this time, the authoritarian nature of
military rule suppressed democratic institutions and fueled social and political unrest in
the country.
The martial law 1958 Martial Law of 1958 was a significant event in Pakistan's political
history. It was imposed on October 7, 1958, by General Ayub Khan, who was the
Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistani Army at the time. The Martial Law suspended the
Constitution and dissolved the civilian government, and General Ayub Khan assumed
the role of the President of Pakistan. This marked the beginning of a period of military
rule that lasted for more than three decades. During this time, Pakistan was ruled by
military dictators who wielded absolute power and suppressed democratic institutions
and civil society. The Martial Law of 1958 had a significant impact on Pakistan's political
and economic history. While some economic reforms were introduced during this time,
the authoritarian nature of military rule suppressed democratic institutions and fueled
social and political unrest in the country.

 The Martial Law of 1958 had a significant impact on Pakistan's political history.
Here are some of its major impacts:
1. Suppression of democratic institutions: The Martial Law suspended the Constitution
and dissolved the civilian government, which led to the suppression of democratic
institutions and the rule of law.
2. Centralization of power: The military government centralised power, which resulted
in the concentration of power in the hands of the military and civilian bureaucracy,
leading to a decline in political participation.
3. Repression of dissent: The military government repressed dissent by restricting
freedom of speech, assembly and press. This resulted in the suppression of opposition
parties, political activists, journalists and other critics.
4. Economic reforms: The Ayub Khan regime introduced some important economic
reforms aimed at promoting industrialization and economic growth, such as the
introduction of the "Basic Democracy" system, which aimed to decentralize power to
the local level and promote political participation.
5. Rise of nationalism: The Ayub Khan regime's policies led to the rise of nationalist
movements in different parts of the country, especially in East Pakistan, which
eventually led to the Bangladesh Liberation War and the independence of Bangladesh in
1971.
Overall, the Martial Law of 1958 had a significant impact on Pakistan's political and
economic history. While some economic reforms were introduced during this time, the
authoritarian nature of military rule suppressed democratic institutions and fueled
social and political unrest in the country.

Conclusion: The Martial Law of 1958 marked a turning point in Pakistani politics and
had a profound impact on the country's democratic process, social fabric, and foreign
policy. Despite its efforts to bring development and stability to Pakistan, the martial law
regime ultimately undermined democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Its legacy
continues to be felt in Pakistan today, as the country struggles to build a stable and
democratic political system.