Background and victory of Bangladesh's independence
The 1971 Liberation War was the independence struggle of Bangladesh,
waged against Pakistani rule. The war lasted from 26 March 1971 to 16
December 1971 and resulted in the birth of the independent state of
Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, had long suffered from neglect,
economic deprivation, and cultural oppression under West Pakistan. In the
1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
won a landslide victory. But the central government of Pakistan refused to
hand over power.
Table of Contents: Background and Victory of Bangladesh's Independence
The War Begins:
On March 26, 1971, the Pakistani army launched a military operation called
Operation Searchlight in Dhaka and other cities, resulting in the deaths
of thousands of innocent Bengals. In the wake of this incident, Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh.
The Phases of the 1971 Liberation War:
The 1971 Liberation War was mainly divided into three phases, which took
place in different stages from the beginning to the end of the war. The
special features and events of each phase are noteworthy. Below is a
detailed description of the phases of the Liberation War:
Phase One: Genocide and Resistance (March - May)
- March 26, 1971: The Pakistani army launched 'Operation Searchlight', which was a brutal military operation to suppress the Bengali nationalist movement in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). In this campaign, numerous innocent Bengalis were killed.
- March - May: The Pakistani army established control over major cities including Dhaka. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence, which officially began the Liberation War. The Mujibnagar government was established, which provided leadership for the Liberation War.
- Resistance Formation: The Bengali military and civilian population formed a resistance against the Pakistani forces. In the initial stage, the resistance was conducted through guerrilla warfare.
Phase Two: Guerrilla Warfare and Establishment of Free Zones (June - August)
- Guerrilla Warfare: The freedom fighters (Mukti Bahini) adopted guerrilla warfare tactics and launched attacks against the Pakistani forces. The freedom fighters conducted attacks in various places and destroyed enemy equipment and military installations.
- Establishment of Free Zones: The Mukti Bahini established control over various areas and formed Free Zones, where the Pakistani forces could not enter. These free zones served as safe havens for the freedom fighters, from where they planned their attacks.
- Training and Coordination: With the help of the Indian government, training and arms supply to the freedom fighters were increased. Training camps for the Mukti Bahini were established in the Bangladesh-India border area.
Third Phase: Frontal War and Victory (September - December)
- Frontal War: The Mukti Bahini and the Indian Army jointly participated in the frontal war. The joint forces began to expel the Pakistani forces from various areas.
- November - December: The final offensive began, which accelerated the collapse of the Pakistani forces. In particular, on 16 December 1971, the Pakistani army formally surrendered in Dhaka.
- Victory: Bangladesh was established as an independent state with the surrender of the Pakistani army on 16 December 1971. This day is celebrated as Victory Day in Bangladesh.
Immediate Celebration of Victory in 1971
The immediate celebration of victory in 1971 was an unforgettable moment
for the Bengali nation. When the Pakistani army surrendered on 16 December
1971, people took to the streets in Dhaka and other places in Bangladesh
to celebrate. Some of the special aspects of this period:
- Joyous processions: Ordinary people took to the streets in victory processions. They expressed their joy of victory by waving the national flag and chanting various slogans.
- Songs and dances: In many places, people celebrated the victory by singing songs and dancing. Patriotic songs became especially popular.
- Fireworks and illuminations: Fireworks were set off and illuminations were put up in Dhaka city and other major cities.
- Reception of freedom fighters: Freedom fighters were given receptions at various places. They were given special respect for their bravery and sacrifice.
- Religious ceremonies: Many people visit mosques, temples, and other religious places on Victory Day to offer special prayers and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
- Press and Radio: At that time, the news media, especially radio, continuously broadcasted the news of the victory. The patriotic songs and special programs played on the radio spread joy and enthusiasm among the people.
This first celebration of victory was the beginning of a new dream for the
Bengali nation, where they got the opportunity to live independently and
build their own future.
Today's celebration of that victory
The 1971 victory celebration is one of the most important chapters in the
history of Bangladesh. Bangladesh gained independence on December 16,
1971, at the end of the war of liberation against Pakistan.
On Victory Day, the people of Bangladesh express joy and happiness in
various ways. Usually, on the occasion of Victory Day, flags are hoisted
in all government, private, and educational institutions of Bangladesh,
various programs are organized to commemorate the victory, and the freedom
fighters are honored.
In addition, discussions and seminars on the history of the Liberation War
are held in many places, and cultural programs, songs, dances, etc. are
organized in different parts of the country. This Victory Day festival is
an opportunity to show great respect for the national identity and
sovereignty of Bangladesh.
কমেন্ট করুন। প্রতিটি কমেন্ট রিভিউ করা হয়।
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