Formation of Bangladesh

FORMATION OF BANGLADESH
The formation of Bangladesh as an independent nation was a significant

event in the history of South Asia. The region that is now Bangladesh was
previously known as East Pakistan, one of two geographically separated
regions within the newly formed country of Pakistan in 1947, following the
partition of British India.
Here are the key events that led to the formation of Bangladesh:
1. Partition of British India (1947): In 1947, British India gained

independence from British colonial rule. The Indian Independence Act
of 1947 divided British India into two separate independent
dominions: India and Pakistan. The division was based on religious
lines, with India as a predominantly Hindu state and Pakistan as a
Muslim-majority state. Pakistan itself was divided into two regions—
West Pakistan and East Pakistan—separated by about 1,600
kilometers of Indian territory.
2. Cultural and Linguistic Differences: Despite being united by
religion, West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan
(modern-day Bangladesh) were separated by vast cultural, linguistic,
and ethnic differences. The people of East Pakistan primarily spoke
Bengali, had a distinct culture, and felt marginalized by the
dominance of West Pakistan, where Urdu was the official language.
3. Political and Economic Disparities: From the beginning, there was a
significant economic disparity between East and West Pakistan. The
government in West Pakistan often prioritized its own interests,
leading to a lack of investment and development in East Pakistan.
This economic disparity, along with political marginalization, fueled
discontent among the people of East Pakistan.
4. Language Movement (1952): The Language Movement of 1952 was
a pivotal moment in the history of Bangladesh. It began as a protest
against the imposition of Urdu as the sole official language of
Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and activists in East Pakistan
protested against this decision, leading to violent clashes with the
police. The movement ultimately led to the recognition of Bengali as
one of the official languages of Pakistan.
5. Election of 1970: The general elections in Pakistan in 1970 were a
turning point. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and
based primarily in East Pakistan, won a landslide victory, securing an
absolute majority in the National Assembly. However, the ruling
government in West Pakistan, led by President Yahya Khan, was
reluctant to transfer power to the Awami League, which further fueled
tensions.
6. Military Crackdown (1971): In response to the growing demand for
autonomy and independence in East Pakistan, the Pakistani military
launched Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971. This military
crackdown aimed to suppress the political unrest and separatist
movements in East Pakistan. It led to widespread atrocities, including
mass killings, rapes, and destruction of property.
7. War of Independence: The brutal military crackdown sparked a full-
scale war for independence in East Pakistan. The Mukti Bahini, a
guerrilla resistance movement, fought against the Pakistani military
forces. India, which had been providing support to the Bengali
nationalists, officially intervened in the conflict on December 3, 1971,
following a preemptive strike by Pakistan on Indian airbases.
8. Independence and Formation of Bangladesh (1971): The Indo-
Pakistani War of 1971 lasted for about two weeks and ended with the
surrender of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan on December 16, 1971.
This day is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh. The new nation
of Bangladesh was born, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman becoming its
first Prime Minister.
In summary, the formation of Bangladesh was the culmination of years of

political, cultural, and economic grievances of the Bengali-speaking
population of East Pakistan. The struggle for autonomy and recognition of
their language and identity led to a war of independence against West
Pakistan, supported by India, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh as an
independent nation on December 16, 1971.

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FORMATION OF BANGLADESH

The formation of Bangladesh as an independent nation was a significant

1. Partition of British India (1947): In 1947, British India gained

In summary, the formation of Bangladesh was the culmination of years of

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