Creation of Bangladesh in 1971

Bangladesh was created in 1971 when East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan after a struggle for political rights that developed into a liberation war. Its emergence resulted from Bengali nationalism, unequal political and economic relations between Pakistan's two wings, the denial of an electoral mandate, and military repression, followed by Indian intervention.

Partition and the growth of Bengali nationalism

The Partition of 1947 created Pakistan with geographically separated eastern and western wings. Shared religion did not overcome their linguistic, cultural and economic differences.

• Although the eastern wing contained a majority of Pakistan's population, political power and the military establishment were dominated by West Pakistan.
• Attempts to impose Urdu as the sole state language provoked resistance among Bengali speakers; the Language Movement of 1952 became a major foundation of Bengali nationalism.
• Economic disparities and resentment over the distribution of resources strengthened demands for autonomy.

From autonomy demands to constitutional breakdown

The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, became the principal vehicle of Bengali political aspirations.

• Mujib's Six-Point Programme of 1966 demanded extensive autonomy for East Pakistan within a federal arrangement.
• In the 1970 general election, the Awami League secured a majority in Pakistan's National Assembly, giving it a mandate to form the national government.
• The military leadership's postponement of the National Assembly session and failure to transfer power triggered mass protests and a non-cooperation movement in East Pakistan.

Military repression and the liberation struggle

On 25 March 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, a military crackdown in East Pakistan. Mujib was arrested, and Bangladesh's independence was proclaimed on 26 March.

• Repression and widespread violence transformed the autonomy movement into a struggle for independence.
• The Mukti Bahini organised armed resistance against Pakistani forces.
• Millions of refugees entered India, creating a major humanitarian burden and bringing the conflict directly into India's security calculations.

India's intervention and the emergence of Bangladesh

India provided support to the liberation struggle and pursued international diplomatic efforts. The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, signed in August 1971, strengthened India's diplomatic position.

• Pakistani air attacks on Indian airfields on 3 December 1971 marked the beginning of full-scale interstate war.
• Indian forces and the Mukti Bahini advanced against Pakistani forces in the eastern theatre.
• The surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka on 16 December 1971 secured Bangladesh's emergence as an independent state.