5B

Problems of National Integration between East and West Pakistan

The study of the national integration issues between East and West Pakistan involves various socio-political and economic disparities that emerged post-1947, alongside the prominent Language Movement which was pivotal in demanding recognition for the Bangla language.

Language Movement

Introduction

The Language Movement was driven by the sense of injustice felt by the Bengali populace in East Pakistan, mainly due to the predominant promotion of Urdu by West Pakistani leaders. The belief was that the leadership exhibited an irrational bias favoring Urdu over Bangla, which laid the groundwork for significant protests and political activity.

Key Events

  • Formation of Rashtra Bhasha Sangram Parishad (October 1947): This organization aimed to advocate for the recognition of Bangla as one of the state languages.

  • Protests against Jinnah's 1948 announcements: President Jinnah's speeches on March 21 and 24, 1948, stating that only Urdu would be the state language, incited widespread protests.

  • Formation of Purbo Bangla Bhasha Committee (March 1949): This committee was formed to specifically challenge the disfavor of Bangla.

  • Language Movement (1952): February 21, 1952, marked a severe escalation wherein protests led to violence, resulting in the martyrdom of several students, cementing this date as a pivotal moment in the fight for linguistic rights.

Key Outcomes

As a result of significant public pressure, the 1956 constitution of Pakistan recognized Bangla as a state language, further legitimized by UNESCO’s recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.

Disparities between East and West Pakistan

Economic Disparities

The economic divide was stark, with East Pakistan constantly sidelined in terms of resource allocation and control of its economy. Key points include:

  • Lack of Control: Economic decisions were centralized in West Pakistan, severely limiting East Pakistan's provincial control over its own resources.

  • Foreign Aid Allocation: A larger share of foreign aid and national development budget was directed to West Pakistan, exacerbating economic inequalities.

  • Income Decline: Between 1949-60, while per capita income in West Pakistan rose from Rs. 330 to Rs. 373, East Pakistan saw a decline from Rs. 305 to Rs. 288.

Administrative and Political Disparities

  • Representation Issues: Despite being the majority in the first Constituent Assembly, high-ranking administrative posts were frequently occupied by West Pakistanis, reflecting a systemic bias.

  • Shortage in Trained Personnel: There was an acute shortage of trained administrative staff due to the prior dominance of Hindus and Sikhs in administrative roles.

Defense Disparities

  • Underrepresentation in Military: East Pakistanis held only a small percentage of commissioned officer roles in the Army and Air Force, while military headquarters were located in West Pakistan, leaving East Pakistan vulnerable.

Educational Disparities

The educational shortcomings in East Pakistan significantly contributed to resentment:

  • Institutional Shortage: There was a severe lack of educational institutions to cater to the demands of students.

  • Enrollment Statistics (1947-58): Enrollment differences highlighted this discrepancy, with 163% enrollment in primary schools in West Pakistan compared to just 38% in East Pakistan.