History of Bangladesh: Difference between revisions

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==Independence==
 
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[[Bangabandhu]] Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared at a historic public meeting held at Ramna Race Course (renamed Suhrawardy Uddyan) on 7 March, 1971, attended by around 2 million people, "The struggle this tune is the struggle for freedom, the struggle this tune is the struggle for independence." It was a defacto declaration of independence.
The talks proved unsuccessful, however, and on [[March 1]], [[1971]], Pakistani President [[Yahya Khan]] indefinitely postponed the pending national assembly session, precipitating massive civil disobedience in East Pakistan. Mujib was arrested again; his party was banned, and most of his aides fled to India, where they organized a provisional government.
 
Thus in a preplanned manner on 25th March 1971. The Pakistan army embarked on what may be termed as history's worst genocide. A military crackdown was ordered, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was arrested and taken away to West Pakistan. But just before he was arrested he sent out a call for the liberation war to begin. Known as the Declaration of (lie War of Independence, this hurriedly written historic document read as follows:
After the military crackdown by the Pakistan army since the night of [[March 25]] [[1971]] Sheikh [[Mujibur Rahman]] was arrested and the political leaders dispersed. The people were at a loss. At this crucial moment when the political leadership failed to give any direction, the Eighth East Bengal Regiment under the leadership of Major [[Ziaur Rahman]] revolted against the Pakistan Army and took up the Bangladesh flag as its mainstay on the night between [[March 26]] and [[March 27|27]] [[1971]]. Then he took up the momentous decision of declaring an independent People's Republic of Bangladesh. ''(Ref. [[Banglapedia]])'' Ziaur Rahman and his troops were in the forefront of the War of Independence. Major Zia and the armed forces under his command kept the [[Chittagong]] and [[Noakhali]] areas under control for a few days and went across the border for further preparations.
"Pak Army suddenly attacked EPR Base at Pilkhana, Rajarbagh Police Line and killing citizens. Street battles are going on in every street of Dacca. Chittagong. I appeal to the nations of the world for help. Our freedom fighters are gallantly fighting with the enemies to free the motherland. I appeal and order you all in the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last drop of blood to liberate the country. Ask Police, EPR, Bengal Regiment and Ansar to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is ours. Drive out the enemies from the holy soil of motherland. Convey this message to all Awami League leaders, workers and other patriots and lovers of freedom. May Allah bless you. Joy Bangla".
 
After nine months of war, the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered in Dhaka on 16th December. 1971 after killing an estimated three million people. Due to the heroic resistance and supreme sacrifices of the valiant freedom fighters Bangladesh finally became an independent sovereign state. Father of the Nation Bangahandhu Sheikh [[Mujibur Rahman]] was the founder- president of Bangladesh. He was subsequently assassinated on 15th August, 1975 by a group of conspirators.
As fighting grew between the army and the Bengali [[Mukti Bahini]] ("freedom fighters"), an estimated 10 million Bengalis, mainly Hindus, sought refuge in the Indian states of [[Assam]] and West Bengal.
 
The crisis in East Pakistan produced new strains in Pakistan's troubled relations with India. The two nations had fought a war in [[1965]], mainly in the west, but the refugee pressure in India in the fall of 1971 produced new tensions in the east. Indian sympathies lay with East Pakistan, and on [[December 3 1971]], India intervened on the side of the Bangladeshis. On [[December 16 1971]], Pakistani forces surrendered, and Bangladesh ("Bengal nation") was finally established the following day. The new country changed its name to Bangladesh on [[January 11]], [[1972]] and became a parliamentary democracy under a constitution. Shortly thereafter on [[March 19]] Bangladesh signed a friendship treaty with India.
 
==Post-Independence==