Hamdard University Bangladesh

History of Emergence of Bangladesh

Assignment
Topic: History events from 01 March
1971- 16 December 1971(Bangladesh)

Name: Md. Ridoy

ID: 315221032
Department of CSE
 7 MARCH SPEECH7 MARCH SPEECH
In the history of Bangladesh, March 07, 1971 has a very significant role.
The speech given by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Race
Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) on that day to an audience of a
million people shaped our destiny.

It gave the important message to our people that we would have to fight our
final battle for independence. The Pakistani military junta was not going to
hand over power to us in a democratic manner. They already cancelled the
first session of the newly elected assembly to be held on March 3. A Bengali
prime minister of Pakistan? The Pakistani rulers weren't going to allow it.

So, Bangabandhu gave his signal to the people he loved to a fault – "Ebarer
sangram amader muktir sangram!" It was our battle for emancipation this
time. On October 30, 2017, Unesco added the speech to the Memory of the
World Register as a documentary heritage.

Much has been said and a lot has been written about Bangabandhu's March
7 speech. Many have called the 18-minute speech our best poem, the poem
of our independence. It is as important as, if not greater than, the
Gettysburg address of Abraham Lincoln. The impromptu speech carried the
hopes, aspirations and dreams of seventy five million suffering people. It
heralded our great war of liberation. We would cease to be a colony and live
respectably as free citizens of a free country.

On March 1, 1971 the cricket match against the visiting MCC came to an
abrupt end at the Dhaka Stadium. News of the cancellation of the proposed
first session of the Constituent Assembly had reached us. Yahya Khan's
announcement shocked the Bengali nation. The students and the young
people were seething in anger. There was an outcry across the country.

I was just a tenth grader and it was twenty days after my sixteenth birthday.
I loved cricket but I loved my country much more. I ran out into the streets
from the students' eastern gallery with hundreds of young men and found
big processions crossing the city roads. Students of Dhaka University,
colleges and schools, labourers from the Adamjee Jute Mills and the
common people were chanting sky-piercing slogans: "Tomar amar
thikana /Padma, Meghna, Jamuna".

There was a hurriedly called crowded press conference by the Awami

League at Hotel Purbani in the afternoon. Journalists and the general public
rushed there to listen to Bangabandhu. He urged them to be patient and
talked about his and his party's next moves.

We, the young and the old, noticed with great satisfaction that
Bangabandhu was the de facto ruler of Bangladesh. Seventy five million
people listened only to him. He announced a peaceful civil disobedience
movement in Bangladesh (East Pakistan). Directives were issued to the
government and non-government offices. And he was going to address his
people on March 7 at the Race Course Maidan. There were killings of
unarmed protesters at various places by security forces and our people
wanted nothing but total freedom from the Pakistani rule.

The whole nation waited eagerly and anxiously for his speech. What was the
great orator going to say? Declare independence unilaterally and cut off all
connections with the military government of Pakistan? Or agree to have
talks with Yahya Khan, who was coming to meet him soon? The Pakistanis
were in fear and terrible anxiety too. They knew that they were not at all
wanted in East Pakistan.

On March 7, 1971 all roads lead to Rome – yes, the Race Course! Students
and teachers of Dhaka University, all political activists of various parties who
wanted independence, farmers from villages and labourers from the
industrial areas – Ten lakh people gathered to listen to the undisputed
leader of the country. It was the province's biggest ever public meeting.
There was pin-drop silence when he climbed the stairs to the dais. He was
the only speaker that day! The voice of thunder outlined the country's
future in a brilliant impromptu speech. He gave language to the aspirations
and dreams of his people.
Bangabandhu began on a sad note. We were to get power, our people want
independence but we were getting killed in the streets. What wrong did we
do? He wanted immediate lifting of martial law and immediate transfer of
power to the people's representatives as conditions for joining the National
Assembly. He also gave directives for a civil disobedience movement. The
speech lasted about 18 minutes and concluded with, "The struggle this time,
is a struggle for our liberty. The struggle this time, is a struggle for our
independence. Joy Bangla!" It was a de facto declaration of Bangladesh's
independence.

A direct declaration of independence was not made, perhaps keeping Biafra

and Rhodesia in mind. Nevertheless, the speech was effective in giving our
people a clear goal of independence.

The Pakistan government didn't allow the live broadcast of the speech. But
on the next day, under tremendous pressure from the Bengali employees of
the Radio and TV, it had to be put on air. Audio and video recordings were
sent abroad by foreign journalists.

Thus, history was created on March 7, 1971. The liberation war of

Bangladesh was to begin eighteen days later, when Yahya Khan
treacherously stopped talking to Bangabandhu and the army carried out
Operation Searchlight, massacring students, teachers and innocent civilians!
'Pakistan lay buried under corpses', said Tajuddin Ahmad, the wartime Prime
Minister, a few days later at Mujibnagar.
 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Bangladesh Independence Day is celebrated on 26 March every year to commemorate
the declaration of independence from Pakistan on this day in 1971. The day is a
national holiday in Bangladesh and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism.
The road to Bangladesh’s independence was marked by a long and difficult struggle,
which began with the partition of India in 1947. At that time, the region that is now
Bangladesh was part of Pakistan, which was created as a separate country for Muslims.
However, the people of Bangladesh, who were primarily Bengali-speaking and
predominantly Muslim, faced political and economic marginalization from the ruling elite
in West Pakistan.

In 1970, a general election was held in Pakistan, and the Awami League, led by Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in East Pakistan. However, the ruling elite in
West Pakistan refused to recognize the results, and a brutal crackdown was launched
against the people of East Pakistan.

On 25 March 1971, the Pakistani army began a campaign of violence and terror against
the people of East Pakistan, which led to the declaration of independence by Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman on 26 March 1971. The Bangladesh Liberation War then ensued,
which lasted for nine months and led to the eventual defeat of the Pakistani army.
 FORMATION OF MUJIBNAGAR
GOVERNMENT, 10 APRIL
On this day in 1971, the Bangladeshi nation's first government was
established, and the declaration of independence was officially read
out.
Earlier, on March 26, 1971, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh just
before being arrested by the Pakistani army.
Before his arrest, Bangabandhu gave numerous plans to the Awami
League leaders so that they would have contingencies for every
eventuality.
In accordance with Bangabandhu's plan, Tajuddin Ahmed crossed the
Indian border on March 30 via Faridpur-Kushtia road. From there, he
crossed the border again with Barrister Amirul Islam and entered India
with the aid of the Meherpur Sub-Divisional Administrator Tawfiq-e-
Elahi Chowdhury and other local Awami League leaders.
The Indian Border Security Force welcomed them as representatives of
the Awami League and they met with Indian Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi on April 3, 1971.
The meeting between Indira Gandhi and Tajuddin Ahmed on April 3,
1971, was arranged by BSF or Indian Border Guard Chief KF Rustomji.
There was some confusion, because many Indian officials did not know
Tajuddin at the time. As a result, it was confirmed through Rehman
Sobhan, an economist based in Delhi, that the person who came was
actually Tajuddin Ahmed.
Before sitting for the meeting with Indira Gandhi, Tajuddin realized that
an administrative structure was the most important factor in carrying
on the war in the absence of Bangabandhu. Therefore, in accordance
with the mandate of the 1970 elections, Bangabandhu, as President
and himself as a representative of the Awami League, negotiated with
Indira Gandhi for recognition and assistance to the Government of
Bangladesh.
Since Bangabandhu had maintained good relations for a long time with
the Indian leadership, the meeting between Indira Gandhi and Tajuddin
proved fruitful. Although not recognizing the fledgling country
immediately, India assured Bangladesh of all possible assistance, from
shelter for refugees to weapons training for the Liberation Army.
Later, Tajuddin Ahmed along with others national leaders decided to
form a wartime government with the consent of elected members of
the parliament of 1970 election, and supported the declaration of
independence by Bangabandhu in a formal manner on April 10 by
forming the Mujibnagar government.
Syed Nazrul Islam, the vice president, served as the acting president in
absence of Bangabandhu.
In addition to serving as prime minister, Tajuddin Ahmed also held the
positions of Minister of Defense, Information, Broadcasting and
Communication, Economic Affairs, Planning, Education, Local
Government, Health, Labor, Social Welfare, Establishment, and other
positions that were not specifically delegated to anyone.
The positions of Minister of Home Affairs, Supplies, Relief and
Rehabilitation, and Minister of Agriculture were designated to Capt M
Mansur Ali and Ministers of Finance, Industry, and Commerce by AHM
Kamaruzzaman.
On April 10, 1971, Professor M Yusuf Ali officially read out the
Declaration of Independence on behalf of the Sovereign People's
Republic of Bangladesh.
The historic Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh issued by the
Mujibnagar government was effective as an interim constitution,
governing the Mujibnagar government as long as the war of
independence of Bangladesh was going on.
Only Bangladesh and the United States of America have ever been born
as states as a result of a Declaration of Independence.
Later, on April 17, 1971, the administration was sworn in during a
ceremony in Baidyanathtala's mango garden, now the mango orchard
of Mujibnagar, which is very close to the Indian border.
The national flag was raised by Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam in
place of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. At the ceremony for
taking the oath, Professor Md. Yusuf Ali read the declaration of
independent Bangladesh.
The national anthem, "Amar sonar Bangla, ami tomay valobashi," was
performed by some local singers. A 10,000-strong crowd, which
included fighters from the East Pakistan Rifles and Ansar, watched the
ceremony.
In order to continue various political activities, Bangladesh created its
first diplomatic mission in Calcutta, India.
The government's primary goals were to provide social justice, equality,
and human dignity for Bangladesh's citizens. It should be noted that
setting up the civil government in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman's absence was a very challenging assignment.
While talking with Dhaka Tribune yesterday, Raziuddin Ahmed Razu,
one of the young MPs of the 1970 election, said: “On July 1971 the
maximum MP and MNA has a meeting at Siliguri, India with the leaders
of the Mujibnagar government, where some MPs like Khondaker
Mostaq Ahmad wanted to disobey the Mujibnagar government and
planned to formed a confederation with Pakistan but we the young
members threatened them and told, ‘if they want to showed disrespect
to the Mujibnagar government the result will not be happier for them',
then they got silent.”
The leaders of the Mujibnagar government would offer advice to the
citizens of this nation during the liberation war. Through their radio
speeches, the Prime Minister and the acting president would inspire
everyone in the nation. They simultaneously took a number of
diplomatic attempts to gain worldwide recognition and support.
In just nine months, the Mujibnagar Government was able to triumph
in the Liberation War. Despite several obstacles and challenges, the
Mujibnagar Government established a legal foundation for continuing
the struggle against the Pakistani military, which garnered support and
assistance from all corners of the world.
After a nine-month-long conflict under the direction of the Mujibnagar
Government, the nation was liberated from Pakistani occupation forces
on December 16 of that same year.
 Oath of the New Government on April 17th
On April 17, 1971, the inaugural government of Bangladesh was sworn
in at what is now known as Mujibnagar in Meherpur, a district in the
southwest near the Indian border. Originally called Baidyanathtala, it
was a vast mango orchard in Meherpur Mahakuma before being
renamed Mujibnagar following the formation of the provisional
government in 1971.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assumed the role of the first
president of the Mujibnagar government, with Syed Nazrul Islam
serving as acting president in his absence. Tajuddin Ahmed was
appointed as the initial prime minister, and the cabinet included Capt M
Mansur Ali, AHM Qamaruzzaman, and Khondoker Moshtaque Ahmed.
Due to concerns about air raids by Pakistani forces, the oath-taking
ceremony was conducted secretly and under tight security. Originally,
the ceremony was intended to take place at Sreemanto Town Hall in
Chuadanga, a central location in the city. However, it was moved to
Meherpur following airstrikes in the area on April 10 and 16.
Barrister M Amir-ul Islam, who played a significant role in drafting
Bangladesh's declaration of independence in 1971 and worked closely
with Tajuddin Ahmed during the formation of the Mujibnagar
government, revealed, "Initially, we planned to hold the oath-taking
ceremony in Chuadanga, but this information was leaked to the media.
Consequently, we discreetly selected the mango orchard in Meherpur,
which is near the Indian border."
When asked about the choice of the Chuadanga-Meherpur region for
the ceremony, Azadul Islam Azad, the convener of Darshana Chhatra
Sangram Parishad, explained, "From March 25 to April 16, we managed
to keep our region (from Jessore cantonment to Jhenaidah, Chuadanga,
and Meherpur) free from Pakistani occupation forces. This is why many
Awami League leaders preferred the border regions of this area to
travel to Kolkata during the Liberation War."
He further noted, "On April 10, when the Mujibnagar government was
established, and later on April 16, just before the oath-taking ceremony,
Pakistani planes dropped bombs on Chuadanga. Consequently, the
venue was shifted to Meherpur."
Azadul Islam, who also served as the general secretary of Chuadanga
District Awami League, stated, "Chuadanga has a rich history during the
Liberation War, but we have lost some recognition due to unavoidable
circumstances. We urge that Chuadanga be acknowledged as the first
capital of Bangladesh since the initial government of the country was
meant to be sworn in there."
Captain (retd) Mohammad Abdul Malek, a freedom fighter from
Meherpur district, explained that the orchard was densely populated
with trees in 1971, making it difficult for aircraft to target specific areas.
This contributed to the decision to choose the orchard as the venue
over Chuadanga after the air raids.
The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by numerous foreign
journalists who had gathered to celebrate the birth of a new nation.
 11 Sectors Including Munshiganj
Liberation War with the corresponding sector commanders:

Sector-1: Covered Chittagong, the eastern part of Noakhali, Coxs-Bazar,

and Rangamati. Sector Commander: Maj Ziaur Rahman and Captain
Rafiqul Islam.

Sector-2: Encompassed Dhaka, Comilla, Faridpur, and part of Noakhali.

Sector Commander: Major Khaled Mosharraf and Major ATM Haider.

Sector-3: Included Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, and Srimongol. Sector

Commander: Major KM Shafiullah and Captain ANM Nuruzzaman.

Sector-4: Covered Hobigonj and Kanaighat, with a strategic advantage

due to its border with India. Sector Commander: Major Chittarajan
Datta and Lt Col Md Abdur Rob.

Sector-5: Extended from Durgapur to Dawki. Sector Commander: Major

Mir Shawkat Ali.

Sector-6: Encompassed the entire Rangpur district and Thakurgaon

subdivision of Dinajpur district. Sector Commander: Wing Commander
Khademul Bashar.
Sector-7: Included Pabna, Rajshahi, Bogura, and the southern part of
Dinajpur. Sector Commander: Major Nazmul Haque, Major Quazi
Nuruzzaman, and Subedar Major Abdur Rob.

Sector-8: Covered Kustia, Jashore, Khulna, Barisal, Sathkhira, and

Faridpur. Sector Commander: Major Osman Chowdhury and Major MA
Manzoor.

Sector-9: Encompassed Barisal and Patuakhali, as well as the southern

part of Khulna and part of Faridpur district. Sector Commander: Major
M A Jalil, Major M A Manzur, and Major Joynal Abedin.

Sector-10: Constituted with naval commandos.

Sector-11: Covered Tangail, Mymensingh, and Kishorgonj. Sector

Commander: Major Ziaur Rahman, Abu Taher, and Squadron Leader M
Hamidullah Khan.

Munshiganj was part of Sector No. 2 during the Liberation War, and the
sector commander's name was M. Hamidullah Khan.
 Bangladesh Forces during the Liberation War
Bangladesh Forces during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971:
Tura Brigade (Force): Tura Brigade, also known as Force, was the first
military brigade of the Bangladesh Forces established during the
Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. It was formed under the
leadership of Major Ziaur Rahman with the approval of the
revolutionary government of Bangladesh in exile. The brigade consisted
of the 1st, 3rd, and 8th Battalions of the East Bengal Regiment and was
established on July 7, 1971.

S Force (Brigade): S Force was another military brigade of the

Bangladesh Armed Forces that came into existence on October 1, 1971.
Major K M Shafiullah led the formation of this brigade, which included
the 2nd and 11th East Bengal Regiments.

K Force (Brigade): K Force was a military brigade within the Bangladesh

Forces in 1971, and it was organized under the leadership of Major
Khaled Mosharraf, following the directives of the Provisional
Government of Bangladesh in exile. This brigade was a part of the
regular army under the Bangladesh Armed Forces and was composed of
the 4th, 9th, and 10th Battalions of the East Bengal Regiment.
Combined Force on December 3rd
On December 3, 1971, the Indian Armed Forces initiated a well-
coordinated military campaign in conjunction with the Mukti Bahini, the
Bangladeshi freedom fighters. The objective of this joint operation was
to push back Pakistani forces and regain control of territories that were
under their occupation. This collaborative effort marked a pivotal
moment in history, as it played a crucial role in substantially diminishing
the grip of the Pakistani military on East Pakistan.

Approval of Independence by India and

Bhutan: Bhutan

Bhutan achieved the distinction of being the first country in the world
to acknowledge the newly independent state of Bangladesh on
December 6, 1971. This significant recognition was followed by a visit
from Muhammad Ullah, the President of Bangladesh, who was
accompanied by his wife. Their visit to Bhutan was to participate in the
coronation ceremony of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of
Bhutan, which took place in June 1974.
Independence on December 16th and
Victory Statement

On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani military officially surrendered to

the joint forces of India and the Mukti Bahini. This historic victory
marked the culmination of a nine-month struggle for independence.
Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign nation, ending the atrocities and
oppression that had plagued the region. In his statement, Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman declared victory and paid tribute to the sacrifices
made by the people of Bangladesh