Sepration Of Bengal

Separation of Bengal 1971

 Historical Perspective:

                The separation of East Pakistan was a great setback to Pakistan. By 1970s, sentiments for national unity had weekend in East Pakistan to the extent that constant conflict between the two wings dramatically erupted into mass civil disorder. This tragically resulted in the brutal and violent amputation of Pakistan’s Eastern Wing. The physical separation of a thousand miles between the two wings without a common border, and being surrounded by Indian territory and influences, led to constant political, economic and social conflicts between the two wings; embittering relations bringing the country on the verge of collapse. As a result of the separation of its Eastern Wing, Pakistan’s international credit was depleted and the military, being its most powerful institution, suffered a lot. To some, the very concept of Pakistan as the homeland for the Muslims in Southeast Asia no longer appeared valid.

Reasons behind separation:

Mistakes Made by East Pakistanis

Ø  Trouble started right from the establishment of Pakistan in 1947. Almost immediately, East Pakistan claimed that as their population (55 percent as compared to 45 percent in the West) was greater, they were in a majority. Democratically, the Federal Capital, therefore, should have been in Dhaka and not in Karachi.

Ø  Since Karachi was the seat of the National Government; ministers, government officials and industrialists exerted immense influence on national and regional affairs, which brought them many benefits. But the East Pakistanis were unable to extract the same kind of advantages, as they were a thousand miles away from the Capital. Moreover, the Capital initially attracted wealthy industrialists, businessmen, administrators, doctors and other professionals who had fled from India.

Ø  The location of the Capital, it was said, created great economic imbalance, uneven distribution of national wealth and privileges, and better jobs for the people of West Pakistan, because they were able to sway decisions in their own favor.

Ø  Bengalis felt bitterness that the vast sums of foreign exchange earned from the sale of jute from East, which were being spent on defense

Ø  The people of the East believed all white-collar jobs were taken by West Pakistanis.

Ø  Moreover, Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman founder of Awami Leaguge 1951, had always been passionate Bengali Nationalist. He began to attract popular support from the Bengalis in East Pakistan. He put forward his Six Points that demanded more autonomy for provinces in general and East Pakistan in particular.

Ø  Due to explosive political situation in the country, the then Chief Martial Administrator Yahya Khan, set in motion to transfer power to the elected representatives and announced that the general elections would be held in October 5, 1970. In his all election campaigns Sheikh Mujeeb Ur Rehman again and again demanded for the implementation of his Six Points.

Ø  In the general elections held in Decemeber 1970, the Awami League achieved overwhelming victory. They won 167 seats highest in East Bengal. In West People Party had won 85 seats. The Awami League, now overwhelmingly victors, stood firm on its Six Points plan and refused to compromise on that issue. The Peoples Party in the West maintained that the Six Points Program did not really permit a genuine federation. Efforts were made to start a constitutional dialogue and narrow the differences between the two Wings, but all in vain

Ø  Mujib-ur-Rahman launched a non-cooperation movement. The civil administration was totally paralyzed. All government and educational institutions were closed. People were asked not to pay any taxes. The transport system came to a standstill. Factories and shops were shut. All government activities between both the Wings ceased. The Awami League setup a parallel government. Gangs of local Awami League freedom fighters, known as Mukti Bahini, led violent demonstrations and howled racial and anti-West Pakistan slogans, inciting the people to more violence.

Ø  Amidst these disturbances, Genaral Yahya decided to convene (get together) the National Assembly in March 1971. But Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman unexpectedly put forward other demands such as the immediate lifting of Martial Law and power transfer to the elected representatives of the people, prior to the National Assembly session.

Ø  In the meantime, India exploited Pakistan’s dilemma to the full. It sought to wring full propaganda and strategic value for itself out of the Bengali suffering and misery and launched an attack on East Pakistan on November 22, 1971. Due to lack of technology, weapons and geographical sepration by thousand miles across the hostile Indian territory, made Pakistan’s military defeat in the East and On December 17, 1971, a formal surrender was submitted and accepted. Forty five thousand troops and an almost equal number of civilians of West Pakistan were taken as prisoners of war.

Final Conclusion: The surrender led to the disintegration of East and West Pakistan and the establishment of Bangladesh. After 25 years, the East Pakistanis declared themselves as independent and renamed their Province as Bangladesh. Pakistan finally recognized Bangladesh at the Islamic Conference in Lahore on February 22, 1974.

In my view; 1971 is a truth and biggest blunder made by our forefather in the history of Pakistan. We the new generation of Pakistan need live with this truth although it could have been avoided if both side compromised for the sake of saving Pakistan but they chose confrontation rather than peace.