The Liberation War and independence of Bangladesh is a significant

chapter in the history of South Asia. It refers to the struggle of the

Bengali-speaking population of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
against the oppressive policies of the West Pakistani government,
which led to a nine-month-long armed conflict and eventually the
birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

The roots of the conflict lie in the cultural, linguistic, and economic
disparities between East and West Pakistan following the partition of
British India in 1947. Despite being geographically separated by over
a thousand miles, East and West Pakistan were joined together as
one country based on the idea of a shared Islamic identity. However,
over time, East Pakistan felt marginalized and exploited by the
ruling elite in West Pakistan, who dominated the political, economic,
and military spheres.

Tensions escalated in 1970 when the Awami League, led by Sheikh

Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in the general elections,
securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly of Pakistan.
However, the ruling authorities in West Pakistan, led by President
Yahya Khan, refused to transfer power to the Awami League, leading
to widespread protests and civil unrest in East Pakistan.

The situation deteriorated further in March 1971 when the Pakistani

military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown on
Bengali civilians, students, intellectuals, and political activists in
East Pakistan. This violent campaign aimed to suppress the growing
calls for autonomy and independence in the region.
In response to the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, the
Bengali population, supported by Mukti Bahini (the Bengali freedom
fighters), declared independence on March 26, 1971. This marked the
beginning of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The conflict raged on
for nine months, with the Bengali forces fighting against the
Pakistani military.

The international community played a significant role during the

war, with India providing crucial support to the Bengali
independence movement. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani
military surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian army and the
Mukti Bahini, leading to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent
nation.

The war resulted in immense human suffering, with estimates of

millions of deaths and widespread destruction. However, it also
symbolized the triumph of the Bengali people's desire for freedom
and self-determination. Since then, December 16 has been
celebrated annually in Bangladesh as Victory Day, commemorating
the country's independence.