From
the 13th century A.D.
the Buddhists and Hindus
were swamped by the flood
of Muslim conquerors and
the tide of Islam up to
18th century. Sometimes
there were independent
rulers like the Hussain
Shahi and Ilyas Shahi
dynasties, while at other
times they ruled on behalf
of the Imperial seat of
Delhi.
From
the 15th century,
the Europeans, namely
Portuguese, Dutch, French
and British traders
exerted an economic
influence over the region.
British political rule
over the region began in
1757 A.D., when the last
Muslim ruler of Bengal was
defeated at Palassey. In
1947 the subcontinent was
partitioned into India and
Pakistan. Present
Bangladesh became the
Eastern Wing of the then
Pakistan. But the movement
for autonomy of East
Pakistan started within a
couple of years because of
language and cultural
differences and economic
disparity between the two
wings.
The Language Movement
The Language Movement of
1952 to recognize Bangla
as a state language may be
termed as the first step
towards independence.
Political and economic
deprivation of the
Bengalees prompted
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, the Father of the
Nation, to put forward in
1966 his historic six
points, the "Magna Carta"
which in effect structured
the foundation for East
Pakistan's future
independence.
The War of Liberation
In the 1970 elections,
even though the Awami
League emerged as the
largest party in Pakistan
Parliament, it was not
allowed to form the
government by the ruling
military junta. In the
backdrop of a
non-cooperation movement
launched against the
military regime by Awami
League.
Bangabandhu 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.
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:
"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".
Independence
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.
