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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.