Name : Maroof Jahan Azizi

SAP : 70154153
ASSIGMENT 2 : PAK STUDY
 1971 War And Independence Of Bangol

The fight for Bangladesh's independence, known as the Bangladesh Liberation War or Mukti
Juddho (Bengali for "liberation war"), was a bloody conflict in 1971 that resulted in the creation
of Bangladesh. Here's a detailed breakdown of the events:

Roots of the Conflict:

 Tensions simmered for years between East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and West
Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) due to:

1. Cultural differences: Bengalis in the East had their own language and ethnicity.
2. Economic disparity: East Pakistan felt neglected by the West Pakistani dominated
government.
3. Political marginalization: Bengalis felt excluded from political power.

 In 1970, Bengali nationalist party Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a
landslide election victory in Pakistan. However, the West Pakistani government refused
to hand over power.

Discontent and Discrimination: Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, tensions

simmered between East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (present-day
Pakistan). The Bengali people of East Pakistan felt discriminated against by the West Pakistani
ruling elite. Urdu was imposed as the national language, despite Bengali being the majority
spoken language. Economic resources were also heavily skewed towards West Pakistan.

Rise of Bengali Nationalism: Bengali nationalism grew in East Pakistan, demanding

autonomy and recognition of Bengali culture and language. Leaders like Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman emerged, advocating for greater Bengali rights.

War erupts:
 o In March 1971, Operation Searchlight, a brutal military crackdown by the
Pakistani army, was launched against Bengali civilians, intellectuals, and
politicians. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested.

o Bengali leaders declared independence, forming a government-in-exile in India.

The War:

o Bengali guerrilla fighters, Mukti Bahini, emerged alongside Bengali army

defectors to fight the Pakistani forces.

o India provided crucial support to the Mukti Bahini with training, supplies, and
sanctuary for refugees fleeing the violence.

Victory and Independence:

o By December 1971, with decisive help from the Indian military, Bangladeshi
forces forced the Pakistani army to surrender on December 16th. This day is
celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh.

Indian Intervention: In December 1971, after Pakistani attacks on Indian territory, India
formally entered the war alongside the Mukti Bahini. The combined forces decisively defeated
the Pakistani army.

Surrender and Liberation: On December 16, 1971, Pakistan surrendered, marking

Bangladesh's liberation and the birth of a new nation. This day is celebrated as Victory Day in
Bangladesh.

Impact:
 o The war was a humanitarian catastrophe with millions dead and displaced.

o Bangladesh emerged as a new nation, establishing itself as a secular democracy.

Legacy of the War:

Bangladesh as a Secular State: The war established Bangladesh as a secular, democratic

nation, reflecting the Bengali identity that fueled the liberation struggle.

Lingering Tensions: The war remains a sensitive topic in the region, with differing
perspectives between Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan on the course of events.

Escalation and War:

Crackdown and Uprising: In 1971, after a general election victory, negotiations

between the Bengali government and the Pakistani government failed. In March 1971, the
Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown, "Operation Searchlight," targeting
Bengali civilians, students, and intellectuals. This sparked a full-scale Bengali uprising.

Bangladesh Liberation War: Bengali military officers formed the Mukti Bahini
(freedom fighters) and, with Indian military support, fought a guerilla war against the
Pakistani forces. The war was a brutal affair, with estimates of millions of casualties.
Millions of refugees fled to neighboring India.

Roots of the Conflict:

Discontent and Discrimination: Following Pakistan's independence in 1947, tensions

simmered between East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (present-day
Pakistan). The Bengali people of East Pakistan felt discriminated against by the West Pakistani
ruling elite. Urdu was imposed as the national language, despite Bengali being the majority
spoken language. Economic resources were also heavily skewed towards West Pakistan.
Rise of Bengali Nationalism: Bengali nationalism grew in East Pakistan, demanding
autonomy and recognition of Bengali culture and language. Leaders like Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman emerged, advocating for greater Bengali rights.