A recent campaign started by PTI leader Imran Khan to glamourize Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and show him as a hero in history by adopting some strange and unbalanced comparisons. Pakistani nation, especially the young people, must know the facts of the history before taking any side.
What if the facts have been spilled out by his daughter who has been ruling Bangladesh for a long time.
I clearly remember that, in 2010, Some revelations brought to light the intricate web of conspiracy and international manipulation that led to the secession of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh. Central to these revelations was the admission by Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, regarding her father’s role in orchestrating the separation with the backing of India. This confession reignited debates about the events of 1971 and the true motives behind the liberation war, shedding new light on the narrative that has been accepted for decades.
In 2010, Sheikh Hasina confessed that her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had been planning the secession from Pakistan as early as 1969. This planning occurred during his stay in London, shortly after his release from prison following the Agartala Conspiracy Case. Sheikh Mujib’s detailed plans for separation involved coordination with Indian officials, setting the stage for a violent and tumultuous path to independence.
According to Hasina, her father discussed the secession strategy at a meeting in London, which included the timing of the war, training of fighters, and arrangements for refugees. This meeting highlighted the premeditated nature of the secession and India’s involvement in supporting the formation of the Mukti Bahini, a militia that played a pivotal role in the conflict. These revelations challenge the long-held belief that the liberation war was a spontaneous uprising against Pakistani oppression.
The Role of Mukti Bahini and Indian Involvement
General Sam Manekshaw, in his writings, claimed that India had recruited around 80,000 Hindus to form the Mukti Bahini. This militia, disguised in Pakistani Army uniforms, engaged in acts of violence, rape, and plunder to discredit the Pakistan Army and create chaos in East Pakistan. These acts of sabotage and terror were intended to weaken the Pakistani military’s control, paving the way for a full-scale Indian invasion.
The Mukti Bahini’s actions, combined with India’s military intervention, constituted a blatant violation of international law. The unilateral invasion by India was a premeditated move, planned over two years, to dismember Pakistan. This aggression not only violated Pakistan’s sovereignty but also set a dangerous precedent in the region.
The Aftermath of 1971
Following the declaration of independence, the Indian-backed Mujib regime faced significant challenges in stabilizing the newly formed Bangladesh. Mujib’s government was marked by a series of controversial decisions, including the surrender of Bangladesh’s natural resources to India. These actions contributed to the man-made famine of 1974, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
Mujib’s rule was characterized by the suppression of democratic rights and the establishment of a reign of terror. His primary concern was to maintain control over a population that was struggling with the aftermath of the war and the realities of newfound independence. The political turmoil and economic hardships led to widespread discontent, culminating in Mujib’s assassination on August 15, 1975. His death marked the end of a controversial era.
Revisiting Historical Narratives
The admission by Sheikh Hasina has significant implications for the historical narratives surrounding the 1971 war. For decades, the blame for the conflict and subsequent atrocities was placed squarely on Pakistan. The narrative of Pakistani aggression and Bengali victimhood was perpetuated by both Indian and Bangladeshi leaders. However, Hasina’s confession exposes the calculated conspiracy behind the secession, implicating her father and Indian officials in a plot that led to immense suffering and loss of life.
This new perspective calls for a re-examination of the events leading up to and during the 1971 war. It challenges the simplified dichotomy of good versus evil and highlights the complexities of geopolitical maneuvers and personal ambitions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for fostering a more accurate and balanced view of history.
The Geopolitical Implications
The 1971 war and its aftermath had far-reaching geopolitical implications for South Asia. The creation of Bangladesh altered the regional balance of power and established India as a dominant force. However, the aggressive tactics employed by India set a precedent for future conflicts and interventions.
Pakistan’s policymakers have long argued that India’s actions in 1971 were driven by a desire to weaken Pakistan and establish hegemony in the region. The recent revelations support this view, highlighting India’s role as an aggressor rather than a liberator. This perspective underscores the need for a mindset change in New Delhi for lasting peace and stability in South Asia.
The admission by Sheikh Hasina Wajid regarding her father’s role in the 1971 secession of East Pakistan has unveiled a complex web of conspiracy, manipulation, and international intrigue. This revelation challenges long-held narratives and calls for a re-examination of the historical events that led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Historical facts and personal statements by Bangladeshi leaders prove that the separation of East Pakistan was not the result of any act by the Pakistani Army or any power in West Pakistan but it was well planned for years before the implementation of the plan backed by India. ENDS