Bangladesh Liberation War Notes

Bangladesh Liberation War

Operation Search Light

  • Initiated on March 25th to suppress Bengali nationalist protests.

  • Yahya Khan departed Dhaka on the night of March 25th.

  • Pakistani military launched attacks on:

    • Dhaka University

    • Police Forces

    • Hotel Intercontinental

  • Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested from his home during the night.

Declaration of Independence

  • On March 26th/27th, Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence of Bangladesh,saying “WE REVOLT”.Later for “politcal reasons” proclaimed independence on behalf of Bangabandhu. This declaration marked the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which lasted until December 16, 1971, ultimately leading to the country's independence from Pakistan.

Government in Exile

  • The Mujibnagar government was formed on April 10th, 1971.

  • It took oath on April 17th, 1971.

  • Structure:

    • 12 departments were created.

    • 5 key individuals were assigned duties to run the government. The provisional government aimed to establish a framework for independence, with a focus on administrative efficiency and international recognition. The government also sought to unite various political factions and mobilize support from the local population and the diaspora.

Military Planning

  • Bangladeshi military leaders convened at Teliapara on April 4th to strategize the war.

  • The country was divided into:

    • 11 sectors

    • 64 sub-sectors

  • 4 regions were selected.

  • Training facilities were established across India for training freedom fighters.

Global Geo-politics

  • US-Soviet rivalry was a significant factor.

  • US-China reapproachment impacted the dynamics.

  • Pakistan played a role in the US-China reapproachment.

  • India and the USSR had a military alliance.

Indian Support to Freedom

  • Indian Border Security Force (BSF) began training Mukti Bahini fighters.

  • 10 million refugees were provided shelter in India.

  • Military and other forms of support were extended.

  • Indian strategic interests were at play.

Joint Force

  • On November 21st, a joint command was established.

  • On December 3rd, Pakistani forces launched preemptive air strikes on Indian territories.

  • On December 7th, India recognized Bangladesh.

  • From December 7th to 16th, the Indian military invaded East Pakistan.