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.
