Independence of Bangladesh

The Independence of Bangladesh was officially declared on 26 March 1971, a momentous occasion celebrated as Independence Day, marking the country's liberation from Pakistan. This significant day, also known as the Independence Day of Bangladesh, commemorates the historic announcement made by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, heralding Bangladesh's independence. The struggle for freedom, known as the Bangladesh Liberation War, commenced on the same day and lasted until 16 December 1971, culminating in a resounding victory. This day of triumph is observed as Victory Day in Bangladesh.

An ongoing dispute persists among different factions regarding the individual who declared the independence of Bangladesh. The Awami League asserts that it was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party claims that Ziaur Rahman made the declaration.

A brief historical overview reveals that in 1905, the British Raj partitioned Bengal into East Bengal and West Bengal. The introduction of the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909 by the British government established an electoral system based on religion, with East Bengal being predominantly Muslim. Subsequently, the Bengal Provincial Muslim League was formed to represent the interests of Bengali Muslims. In 1912, the two Bengals were reunified, leading to dissatisfaction among the Muslim population, who feared the potential adverse impact on their community. The Cabinet Mission to India in 1946 resulted in another partition of Bengal in 1947. Consequently, West Bengal became a part of India, while East Bengal became East Pakistan.

Tensions arose in East Pakistan due to the insistence of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, for Urdu to be made the national language, despite Bengali being the spoken language of the majority in East Pakistan. This sparked the Bengali Language movement, with demands for Bengali to be recognized as a national language. In 1953, the Krishak Sramik Party advocated for autonomy for East Bengal and triumphed over the Pakistan Muslim League in the provincial election of 1954. A. K. Fazlul Huq, the leader of the Krishak Sramik Party, assumed the role of Chief Minister of East Pakistan. However, the party's tenure was short-lived, as they were removed from power on 31 May 1954. Chief Minister A. K. Fazlul Huq and party general secretary Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were placed under house arrest on charges of separatism.

From 1963 to 1965, East Pakistan faced economic disparities, as the province's resources were primarily allocated to benefit West Pakistan, undermining development in East Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, having assumed leadership of the Awami League, was arrested in 1966 and later charged in the Agartala conspiracy case in 1968. The alleged conspiracy implicated prominent East Pakistanis in an attempt to separate the country with assistance from India. However, the mass uprising in 1969 eradicated the charges against the accused. In response, the Sarbadalia Chhatra Sangram Parishad was established to exert pressure on the Pakistan government for the independence of East Pakistan.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was released from prison on 22 February 1970, thanks to the intervention of President Ayub Khan. On 10 March 1970, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman officially demanded autonomy for East Pakistan based on the Six Point program of the Awami League. Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani concluded a public event on 23 November with the proclamation, "East Pakistan Zindabad" (Long live East Pakistan). Sadly, the devastating Bhola cyclone in 1970 claimed the lives of approximately 300,000 to 500,000 people in East Pakistan. The inadequate relief efforts provided by the Pakistan government left the people of East Pakistan feeling neglected.

In the provincial assembly elections, the Awami League, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, secured an impressive victory, winning 288 out of 300 seats. The party also claimed 167 seats out of 300 in the National Assembly of Pakistan. Despite this overwhelming success, the military administration led by General Yahya Khan denied the Awami League the opportunity to form a government. On 7 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a resolute and historic speech, urging the people to resist the West Pakistan administration by disregarding their orders and withholding taxes. The fervent crowd that gathered during the event resounded with the chant, "Jai Bangla" (Victory to Bengal). On 19 March, a small clash occurred between soldiers of the Pakistan Army from East Pakistan and West Pakistan at the Gazipur Ordnance Factory, after the East Bengal Regiment refused to open fire on protesting Bengalis. Finally, on 24 March, soldiers of the East Pakistan Rifles unfurled the flag of an independent Bangladesh in Jessore District, signifying the birth of the nation.