THE Indian Sub-Continent’s history is closely linked with the independence struggle, nation-building and ensuing complex relations. The contributions of East Pakistanis to the Pakistan Movement, the establishment of the All-India Muslim League and, ultimately, the founding of Pakistan are sources of immense pride. The journey from the concept of a separate Muslim state to its actualization was marked by the significant efforts of East Pakistani leaders and citizens. Their sacrifices, intellectual and political guidance and steadfast resolve were crucial to the movement’s success. A long and illustrious roster of East Pakistani personalities and leaders made pivotal contributions to this cause, working in concert with their West Pakistani counterparts to fulfill the vision of Pakistan.
Prominent leaders from East Pakistan, including Khawaja Nazimuddin, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, A. K. Fazlul Huq, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Khawaja Salimullah, Jogendra Nath Mandal, Abul Hashim and others were central to the founding of Tehreek-e-Pakistan, the All-India Muslim League, and the realization of Pakistan. Khawaja Nazimuddin, a key figure in the Muslim League, held the positions of both Governor-General and Prime Minister of Pakistan, representing the political ambitions of Bengal’s Muslims. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy played a vital role in garnering support for the Pakistan Movement and subsequently served as Prime Minister. A. K. Fazlul Huq, known as “Sher-e-Bangla,” contributed to the Lahore Resolution, which was pivotal for Pakistan’s foundation. Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, initially a supporter of the Muslim League. Khawaja Salimullah was instrumental in establishing the All-India Muslim League, uniting the Muslims of Bengal around the concept of a separate nation. Jogendra Nath Mandal, advocating for marginalized communities, ensured the Pakistan Movement was inclusive. Abul Hashim’s organizational prowess strengthened the Muslim League’s presence in Bengal. These leaders, among others, played crucial roles in Pakistan’s creation, moulding its initial political scene and ensuring East Bengal’s voice was heard in the independence struggle.
However, the tragic division of Pakistan into East and West, culminating in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, was not merely an unfortunate series of events but the result of a deliberate conspiracy. India’s role in this conspiracy cannot be understated. From the very beginning, India saw the nascent state of Pakistan as a threat and worked tirelessly to weaken it from within. The presence of India, like a hanging sword, constantly threatened Pakistan’s integrity, exploiting any opportunity to divide and destabilize the country. India, from the very beginning, proved to be a formidable adversary. The seeds of discord were sown early on, as India took advantage of the geographical and cultural differences between East and West Pakistan. It skillfully exploited these differences, poisoning the hearts and minds of the people of East Pakistan against their brethren in the West. The Indian intelligence agencies were active in East Pakistan, fomenting unrest and fueling separatist sentiments. India’s strategy was multifaceted. Through propaganda, political maneuvering and direct intervention, India succeeded in creating a rift that, over time, became irreparable. The Indo-Pak war of 1971 was the culmination of years of subversive activities and overt hostility. Both sides exhibited remarkable military prowess, but the outcome was tragic for Pakistan. The country was cleaved in two, with East Pakistan becoming the independent state of BD.
A poignant symbol of this division is the image circulated by India and Bangladesh after the war, depicting General A.K. Niazi of Pakistan surrendering to Indian General Jagjit Singh Aurora. This photograph, which became iconic, was not merely a record of the event but was used as a tool of psychological warfare, intended to demoralize Pakistan and cement the narrative of Indian superiority and the inevitability of Bangladesh’s independence. In Dhaka, a significant statue was erected to commemorate a pivotal moment in its history—the surrender of Lieutenant General A. A. K. Niazi, the commander of the Pakistani forces, to Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the commander of the Indian and Bangladeshi forces, on December 16, 1971. It was a constant reminder of the defeat and the division that had been imposed on Pakistan, a symbol of India’s triumph and Pakistan’s loss. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, made remarks acknowledging India’s involvement in the independence of Bangladesh during a visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 7, 2015. While speaking at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center, Modi recalled India’s support for the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali nationalist forces, during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He specifically mentioned that many Indian soldiers fought alongside the Mukti Bahini and acknowledged the role India played in supporting the struggle for Bangladesh’s independence. This statement was widely interpreted as an admission of India’s involvement in the events leading up to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Modi’s remarks were part of his broader speech where he emphasized the historical ties and cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Now the destruction of the statue based on the image of General Niazi’s surrender is a symbolic act that reflects the changing attitudes towards this chapter of history. The monument, which once stood as a testament to the division of Pakistan, has now been vandalized, and the walls of hatred that it represented have crumbled like sand. This act of destruction is not just a physical dismantling of a structure, but also a metaphorical breaking down of the barriers of mistrust and animosity that have long separated the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The story of East Pakistan’s role in the creation of Pakistan and its eventual separation is a complex one, marked by both pride and pain. The people of East Pakistan played a crucial role in the establishment of Pakistan, and their contributions should never be forgotten. However, the division of Pakistan was a tragic outcome, one that was fueled by external interference and internal divisions. As we reflect on this history, it is important to recognize the lessons it offers. The unity and strength of a nation depend on its ability to overcome internal differences and resist external pressures. The story of Pakistan’s creation and division is a reminder of the importance of national unity and the dangers of external interference. Today, as we look back on this chapter of history, we must remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the creation of Pakistan and strive to build a future where the mistakes of the past are not repeated. The walls of hatred that once divided the people of East and West Pakistan have crumbled, and it is up to us to ensure that they are not rebuilt. Instead, we must work towards fostering understanding, cooperation and unity among all the people of the region, so that the tragic events of 1971 are never repeated.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
