Bangladesh Liberation War 1971

Bangladesh Liberation War: Almost fifty years after the 1971 war that resulted in the independence of Bangladesh, each country involved in the conflict has established its way of remembering those events. In Bangladesh, the war is recalled as the Bengali people’s fight against the oppressive Pakistan army.

However, in India and Pakistan, the war is commonly remembered as the Third Indo-Pakistan War. Many Bangladeshis dislike this portrayal, as they believe it overlooks their contribution to what they consider a liberation war. In this article, we will take a deep look into the details of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Let’s get started!

Bangladesh Liberation War – Overview

Bangladesh Liberation War – Overview
Duration	26 March – 16 December 1971 (8 months, 2 weeks and 6 days)
Locations	Predominantly: East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) Spillover: Eastern Front: India–East Pakistan border India–East Pakistan enclaves Parts of East and Northeast India Western Front: India–West Pakistan border Line of Control (Kashmir) Zero Point Indian Ocean: Bay of Bengal (Eastern Front) Arabian Sea (Western Front)
Result	Bangladesh-India emerge victorious Pakistan Forces Surrendered
Territorial changes	East Pakistan secedes from Pakistan as the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Liberation War – Background

• The Bangladesh Liberation War, a important moment in South Asian history, unfolded in 1971 when the people of East Pakistan fought against the oppressive rule of West Pakistan. This article delves into the background, key events, and the aftermath of this historic struggle for independence.
• The roots of the conflict trace back to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, with East and West Pakistan separated by a considerable distance. Over time, disparities in economic development, political representation, and cultural identity created discontent in East Pakistan, leading to a quest for autonomy.
• The people of East Pakistan faced economic disparities and political marginalization, fueling a sense of neglect. Cultural differences exacerbated the situation, contributing to a growing discontent that set the stage for the events that would unfold in the early 1970s.
• The language controversy of 1952 marked an early indication of the tensions between East and West Pakistan. The demand for recognizing Bengali as a state language was a precursor to the broader struggle for autonomy and equality in the region.
• The turning point came in 1970 when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a resounding victory in the general elections. However, the refusal of West Pakistan to transfer power to the elected leaders of the east escalated tensions, leading to widespread protests and unrest.
• In response to the mounting oppression, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971. This proclamation marked the official beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War and set the stage for a struggle that would capture the world’s attention.

Bangladesh Liberation War – History

The history of the Bangladesh Liberation War goes back to the year 1971, when a crucial and historic battle unfolded in South Asia. This war was fought by the people of East Pakistan, who wanted to break free from the rule of West Pakistan. Let’s explore the events that shaped this significant chapter in history.

In 1947, when British India gained independence, it was divided into two parts – India and Pakistan. Pakistan had two regions: West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Despite being far apart, they were treated as one country. Over time, people in East Pakistan felt they were being treated unfairly and wanted their own identity.

The conflict grew, and in 1970, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won the elections in East Pakistan. However, the leaders in West Pakistan were not willing to let the power shift to the elected leaders from the east. This led to protests and unrest, ultimately sparking the declaration of independence by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, 1971.

Bangladesh Liberation War – Causes

Several causes led to the Bangladesh Liberation War, some of them included:

1. The people of East Pakistan faced economic and political inequalities, feeling neglected and wanting more rights.
2. The language controversy in 1952, where the people fought for Bengali to be recognized as one of the state languages, showed early signs of tensions.
3. In 1970, the situation escalated when the political leaders in West Pakistan refused to hand over power to the elected leaders from East Pakistan.
4. This unfair treatment and the desire for autonomy triggered the declaration of independence.
5. The causes of the war were deeply rooted in economic disparities, political marginalization, and a struggle for cultural recognition.

Bangladesh Liberation War – Major Events

Here’s a list of major events that occurred in the Bangladesh Liberation War:

Timeline Events	Date(s)	Description
Before the War
General Yahya Khan calls off National Council session	1 March	Yahya Khan cancels the National Council session scheduled for 3 March in a radio address.[1]
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s announcement	7 March	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leader of the Awami League, announces the struggle for independence at the Dhaka Race Course ground.[2]
Chittagong port workers’ refusal	9 March	Workers at Chittagong port refuse to unload weapons from the ship ‘Swat’.
Negotiation with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman	16 March	Yahya Khan starts negotiation with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Clashes at Jaydevpur	19 March	Nearly 200 people are injured at Jaydevpur during clashes between protesters and the Pakistan Army.[3]
Pakistan Army opens fire in Syedpur and Rangpur	24 March	The Pakistan Army opens fire on Bengali protesters in Syedpur and Rangpur, resulting in about 150 casualties.[4]
Events During the War
Operation Searchlight	25-26 March	Pakistan Army initiates Operation Searchlight, cracking down on civilians, political activists, students, and Bengali members of the armed forces and police.[5]
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s arrest	26 March	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is arrested by the Pakistani 3 commando unit at 1:15 am. Independence of Bangladesh is declared a few minutes before his arrest. Awami League leader M. A. Hannan declares independence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Kalurghat at 2:30 pm. This day is Bangladesh’s official Independence Day.
Santahar massacre and Kushtia resistance	27 March – 31 March	Independence of Bangladesh is declared again by Maj. Ziaur Rahman. Santahar massacre occurs, and Kushtia resistance begins.[9][10]
Jinjira massacre	2 April	Jinjira massacre takes place.
The Blood Telegram	6 April	The Blood Telegram is sent.
Formation of provisional government-in-exile	10 April	A provisional Bangladesh government-in-exile is formed.
Radio address by Tajuddin Ahmad	11 April	Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad addresses the nation via radio.
M. A. G. Osmani takes command	12 April	M. A. G. Osmani takes up the command of Bangladesh Armed Forces.
Oath in Baidyanathtala (Mujibnagar)	17 April	A provisional government-in-exile takes oath in Baidyanathtala (now called Mujibnagar) in Meherpur District.
Battle of Daruin and Battle of Rangamati-Mahalchari	18 April	Battles in Comilla and Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Bangladesh Action Committee formation	24 April	Bangladesh Action Committee formed in Coventry, UK by non-resident Bangladeshis.
Operation Jackpot by Mukti Bahini	25 April – 15 August	Operation Jackpot conducted by Mukti Bahini.
Tajuddin pleas for arms aid	28 April	Tajuddin Ahmad pleas for arms aid to neighbors.
Gopalpur massacre	5 May	Gopalpur massacre occurs.[11]
Indian army aids Mukti Bahini	15 May	Indian army starts aiding Mukti Bahini.[12]
Chuknagar massacre	20 May	The Chuknagar massacre takes place at Khulna where the Pakistan army kills nearly 10 thousand people.
Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Kolkata	24 May	Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra finds home in Kolkata.
Sector Commanders Conference	11-17 July	Sector Commanders Conference held in 1971.
The Concert for Bangladesh	1 August	The Concert for Bangladesh in Madison Square Garden, New York by Ravi Shankar, George Harrison, and friends.
Operation Jackpot (Naval commando)	16 August	Operation Jackpot, Bangladesh naval commando operation.
Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman’s attempt	20 August	Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman’s attempt to defect by hijacking a fighter.
Pakistan Army crackdown on Dhaka guerrillas	30 August	Pakistan Army crackdown on Dhaka guerrillas.[13]
Battle of Goalhati	5 September	Battle of Goalhati in Jessore.
Bangladesh Air Force starts functioning	28 September	Bangladesh Air Force starts functioning.
Dhaka guerrillas kill Abdul Monem Khan	13 October	Dhaka guerrillas kill Abdul Monem Khan, governor of East Pakistan.
Battle of Dhalai	28 October – 3 November	Battle of Dhalai where Indian Army defeats Pakistan Army.[14][15][16]
Battle of Dhalai (continued)	31 October – 3 November	Allied attack from Tripura into East Pakistan to stop Pakistani cross-border shelling.
Six small ships constitute Bangladesh Navy	9 November	Six small ships constitute the first fleet of Bangladesh Navy.
Battle of Ajmiriganj	16 November	Battle of Ajmiriganj between Mukti Bahini and Pakistan army.
Battle of Kamalpur	14 November – 4 December	The Battle of Kamalpur begins.
Battle of Garibpur	20-21 November	Battle of Garibpur: India attacks Pakistani forces and captures Boyra salient in East Pakistan.
Bangladesh Armed Forces are formed	21 November	Bangladesh Armed Forces are formed.
Battle of Hilli	22 November – 13 December (sporadic fighting to 16 December)	Battle of Hilli: Indian attack on Bogra

Bangladesh Liberation War – Role of Major Figures

The Bangladesh Liberation War was a big fight for freedom that happened in 1971. Some important people played a huge role in making sure Bangladesh got its independence. Let’s have a look them:

1. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: He was a key leader and played a vital role in leading Bangladesh to freedom. People often call him the “Father of the Nation” in Bangladesh.
2. Tajuddin Ahmad: He was the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the war. He worked hard to organize the government and make important decisions.
3. General A.A.K. Niazi: He was the Pakistani military leader, and he surrendered to the joint forces of India and Bangladesh, marking the end of the war.
4. Indira Gandhi: The Prime Minister of India at that time, she played a crucial role by supporting Bangladesh in its fight for independence. India’s army helped Bangladesh against the Pakistani military.
5. General Jagjit Singh Aurora: He was the Indian military commander during the war. Under his leadership, India’s army fought alongside Mukti Bahini, a group of Bangladeshi freedom fighters.

Bangladesh Liberation War – Timeline

Here’s a simple timeline highlighting key events in the Bangladesh Liberation War:

Date	Event
March 26, 1971	Declaration of Independence by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
April 1971	Beginning of military operations by the Pakistani army
December 16, 1971	Victory Day – Bangladesh officially liberated

Bangladesh Liberation War – Consequences

After intense fighting, on December 16, 1971, the Pakistani military officially surrendered. This marked the birth of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The war had a lasting impact on the political and social landscape of South Asia.

The conflict brought attention to the need for self-determination and showcased the international community’s support for the people of Bangladesh. India played a crucial role in supporting the liberation, leading to global recognition of the struggle. The war’s legacy remains, reminding us of the importance of freedom and the strength of unity in the face of injustice.

Conclusion – Bangladesh Liberation War

After 13 days of intense warfare, on December 16, 1971, the Pakistani military officially surrendered, culminating in the establishment of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Liberation War stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a people fighting for their freedom. The political and social structure of South Asia is still affected by the conflict. The aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War acts as a constant reminder of the costs incurred in the fight for independence and the resilience of togetherness in the face of difficulty.

FAQs on Bangladesh Liberation War

Who won the Bangladesh Liberation War?

Thirteen days after the war started, India-Bangladesh achieved a clear upper hand, and the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signed the instrument of surrender on 16 December 1971 in Dhaka, marking the formation of East Pakistan as the new nation of Bangladesh.

Why did India help Bangladesh in 1971?

Hostile relations in the past between India and Pakistan added to India’s decision to intervene in Pakistan’s civil war. The Indian government decided to support the creation of a separate state for ethnic Bengalis by supporting the Mukti Bahini. RAW helped to organise, train and arm these insurgents.

How many Indian soldiers died in 1971 war?

Indian soldiers died in Indo-Pak War (1971) were 3843 and 9851.

What happened between Pakistan and Bangladesh 1971?

In 1971, an internal crisis in Pakistan resulted in a third war between India and Pakistan and the secession of East Pakistan, creating the independent state of Bangladesh. 

Who helped Pakistan in 1971 war?

The United States provided diplomatic and military support to Pakistan during the 1971 war by sending USS Enterprise into the Indian Ocean.