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5(c) Political Mobilisation and Events Leading to Independence

Purpose of this Section

• Covers events that led to independence of Bangladesh.

• Discusses formation of political organizations, movements, and crucial events such as the Six Point Movement.

Summary of Key Events

• 1950s Political Organizations: Developed in East Pakistan due to central government discrimination.

• Mass Uprising of 1969: A response to government repression.

• 1970 Elections: Awami League victory that faced central government backlash.

• Liberation War 1971: Leads to Bangladesh's independence.

Timeline of Important Events

• 23 June 1949: Formation of Awami Muslim League; introduction of 12 Point Programme.

• 1952: Language Movement advocating for Bangla.

• 4 December 1953: Formation of United Front with a 21 Point Programme.

• 1956: Framing of the first Constitution of Pakistan.

• 27 July 1957: Formation of the National Awami Party.

• 27 October 1958: Ayub Khan’s presidency begins.

• Second Indo-Pak War (1965).

• 1966: Announcement of 6 Point Programme by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

• 1968: Agartala Conspiracy Case begins.

• 1969: Mass Uprising forces Ayub Khan to resign, Yahya Khan takes power.

• 1970-71: Elections lead to significant Awami League victories.

• 26 March 1971: Declaration of Bangladesh's independence; beginning of civil war.

• 16 December 1971: Surrender of Pakistani forces; Bangladesh gains independence.

Formation of the Awami League

• June 1949: Awami Muslim League formed in Dhaka to support the Language Movement and protest undemocratic practices.

• Transition: In 1955, the league dropped the term "Muslim", adopting a secular stance.

United Front Formation and Victory (1954)

• Formation: On 4 December 1953, four parties united as the Jukto Front to contest elections.

• Election Manifesto: Included 21 points such as regional autonomy and recognition of Bangla as the state language.

• Victory in Elections: United Front wins overwhelmingly but is dismissed by central government shortly after.

Political Development (1956-1966)

• Post-United Front Government: Frequent changes in government; Awami League headed by Shaheed Suhrawardy formed the Republican Coalition Ministry in 1956.

• Martial Law Introduction: Following a chaotic 1958, martial law instituted on 7 October 1958.

Basic Democracy under Ayub Khan

• Basic Democracies Order (1959): Introduced a structured system for local governance; viewed as dictatorial.

• 1962: Martial law lifted, leading to the introduction of a new constitution.

The Six Points Movement (1966)

• Response to Disparities: Formulated by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, aimed at securing provincial autonomy for East Pakistan.

• Six Points Overview: Proposed changes in constitution for federal governance, equitable currency systems, taxation, and military forces.

The Mass Uprising of 1969

• Student Activism: Fueled by government resistance to the Six Points; led to widespread protests and change in leadership.

• End of Ayub Khan’s Rule: Mass protests forced his resignation in March 1969.

The 1970 General Elections and Aftermath

• Elections Held: First elections based on 'one man, one vote'; Awami League secures a majority.

• Outcome: Creates a constitutional crisis due to demands for increased autonomy.

Freedom Struggle and Independence

• Non-Cooperation Movement: Following political betrayal, mass civil disobedience erupted.

• Operations Against the Awami League: Significant violence and crackdown in March 1971.

• War of Liberation: Led by Mukti Bahini, supported by India, resulting in independence on 16 December 1971.

Global Response and Independence Recognition

• Support from India: Critical military and political support during the Liberation War.

• First Recognition: Bhutan first to recognize Bangladesh, followed by India.