In-Depth Notes on Bangladesh: From Nation to State (1972-1982)

Bangladesh attained independence on March 26, 1971, following a tumultuous nine-month-long war of liberation against Pakistan, which was fueled by systemic discrimination and cultural suppression in East Pakistan. The newfound nation was primarily recognized by India and Bhutan, which played a crucial role in supporting the independence movement and sheltering millions of refugees during the conflict.

Key issues such as language rights, parliamentary representation, civil and military service disparities, and economic inequality that had been hotly debated under Pakistani rule became irrelevant after independence as the nation sought to establish its identity.

The Awami League, the leading political party, achieved a degree of autonomy but struggled significantly with managing the newly independent state’s resources, governance structures, and the severe economic crisis resulting from the war.

The Mujib Period (1972-1975)

Formation of Government:

• Mujibur Rahman returned as Prime Minister on January 10, 1972, greeted by a nation torn apart by war but hopeful for a brighter future.

• A parliamentary constitution was adopted later that year, signaling the establishment of a parliamentary democracy intended to ensure a government accountable to the people.

Awami League Dominance:

• The Awami League won the parliamentary elections on March 7, 1972, with a landslide victory, reflecting the public's mandate for leadership under Mujib.

• Despite this mandate, the ruling party faced immense challenges due to resource shortages stemming from a devastated economy, widespread poverty, and the need for reconstruction.

Constitution:

• The constitution was heavily influenced by the Indian model but adopted a unitary structure alongside a focus on Mujibism, which emphasized core principles of nationalism, socialism, secularism, and democracy.

Economic and Social Problems:

• Civil strife, inefficiencies in governance, and dire economic conditions plagued the nation, leading to widespread unrest and mounting public dissatisfaction with Mujib's leadership.

Decline of Democracy:

• As opposition grew increasingly vocal, Mujib curtailed democratic freedoms citing the necessity of maintaining law and order.

• In response to civil unrest and devastating floods in 1974, he declared a state of emergency, which allowed him to suspend fundamental rights - a significant move that shifted the democratic landscape.

• Under his leadership, the political system evolved from a parliamentary democracy to a presidential system, culminating in Mujib's formal assumption of presidential powers in January 1975.

• The formation of BAKSAL, a single-party state, effectively banned opposition parties, marking the transformation of democracy into a more authoritarian regime.

Mujib's Assassination (August 15, 1975):

• Mujib, along with most of his immediate family members, were assassinated in a violent coup orchestrated by army majors, which symbolized a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political history and highlighted the rising power of the military coupled with widespread disenchantment towards Mujib’s governance.

• Following Mujib’s death, the political landscape experienced upheaval, leading to a transitional leadership under Mushtaque Ahmad, who was perceived by many as a puppet of the military.

Rise of Ziaur Rahman (Post-1975):

• Ziaur Rahman, initially a prominent military leader, gradually maneuvered his way into political power, advocating for a more stable and militarized governance model amidst a chaotic political environment.

• Although Zia ruled under martial law initially, he eventually transitioned to reinstating some democratic facets, albeit heavily modified, allowing for elections that reflected a heavily controlled political arena.

• Under his leadership, major political restructuring occurred in both the military and civil service, leading to the repudiation of many of Mujib's socialist policies and shaping the future electoral dynamics in Bangladesh.

• Zia founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978, marking a significant ideological shift in the nation's political landscape, fostering nationalism and engaging in state-led economic policies to rebuild the war-torn economy.

Election Dynamics:

• Zia’s leadership was marked by several crucial elections, including referendums featuring unusually high approval ratings, although there were rampant accusations of electoral manipulation and violence.

• Legislative and presidential elections during Zia's rule were marred by political violence and fragmentation, reflecting a highly polarized political environment as he consolidated power through strategic alliances and restructured party systems.

Zia's Assassination (May 30, 1981):

• Zia’s unexpected assassination brought about a sudden power vacuum and triggered further instability within both the military and political factions.

• The subsequent political arena saw intense power struggles among remaining leaders, with Abdus Sattar assuming the presidency temporarily amidst the turmoil.

Political Fragmentation and Military Influence:

• The emergence of multiple candidates from various factions indicated significant rifts in party alignment and loyalty, revealing the complexities of Bangladeshi politics post-independence.

• Sattar's presidency faced significant challenges not just from opposition parties but also factions within the military, Ultimately setting the stage for General Hussain Muhammad Ershad to rise as a dominant figure following a coup on March 24, 1982.

Ershad Era (1982 onwards):

• General Ershad's governance characterized a notable shift toward authoritarianism, with an increased military grip over civilian administration and the suppression of political dissent, underlining the complexities of governance in Bangladesh.

• His regime implemented political realignments that would significantly reshuffle the political landscape, altering relationships between political entities and the military, deepening the cycle of political instability.