East Pakistan Struggle Against West Pakistan Domination

Background: East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) was a region that was geographically separated from West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan). The two regions were united under the British colonial rule in 1947, but they had different cultures, languages, and economic interests. The West Pakistani elite, who were mostly Punjabi and Urdu-speaking, dominated the federal government and the military, while the East Pakistani majority, who were mostly Bengali-speaking, felt neglected and exploited.

Leadership: The popular struggle against West Pakistan domination was led by Sheikh Mujib Ur Rahman, who was the founder of the Awami League party. Mujib was a charismatic leader who mobilized the masses and demanded autonomy and equal rights for East Pakistan. He was arrested several times by the West Pakistani authorities, but he continued to inspire his followers through his speeches and writings.

Movement: The East Pakistan movement reached its peak in 1971 when the West Pakistani army launched a brutal crackdown on the Bengali civilians. The army killed thousands of people, raped women, and destroyed villages. This led to a massive refugee exodus to India, and the Indian government intervened in the conflict to support the Bengali cause. The Awami League declared independence on March 26, 1971, and formed a provisional government led by Mujib.

Outcome: The nine-month-long war between East and West Pakistan ended on December 16, 1971, when the West Pakistani army surrendered to the Indian army. Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) became an independent country, and Mujib became its first Prime Minister. However, Mujib's government faced many challenges, including economic instability, political corruption, and regional tensions. Mujib was assassinated in a military coup in 1975, and Bangladesh went through several periods of military rule and political turmoil.

Conclusion: The struggle of East Pakistan against West Pakistan domination was a significant event in the history of the Indian subcontinent. It was a struggle for national identity, democracy, and social justice. The leadership of Sheikh Mujib Ur Rahman played a crucial role in mobilizing the people and articulating their demands. However, the outcome of the struggle was not entirely satisfactory, as Bangladesh faced many challenges in the post-independence period.