1971 Liberation War and Bangladesh's Birth

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Questions and Answers

Who was appointed as Prime Minister of Bangladesh after its independence?

Tajuddin Ahmed (correct)

Indira Gandhi

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

What number of refugees fled to India during the liberation war of Bangladesh?

10 million (correct)

15 million

20 million

5 million

What significant event took place on the 16th of December 1971?

Declaration of war by Pakistan against India

Official formation of the Indian government

Begin of the guerrilla warfare by Bengalis

Defeat of the West-Pakistani military (correct)

Which political group collaborated with the Pakistani army during the liberation war?

Jamaat-E-Islami Signup and view all the answers

Which states in India housed refugee camps during the Bangladesh liberation war?

West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary cause for the separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan during the 1971 liberation war?

Religious alienation of Bangladeshis from their Hindu heritage Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh primarily shape in the present-day mentality of Bangladeshi people?

A strong sense of nationalism Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event directly followed the British colonial period in the Indian subcontinent?

The partition of India and creation of Pakistan Signup and view all the answers

During the partition of the Indian subcontinent, what violent outcome stemmed from the religious divisions?

Mass migration and communal violence Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best represents the consequence of the 1947 partition of the subcontinent?

The creation of a separate Muslim state Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1971 liberation war affect the constitutional landscape of Bangladesh?

It shaped the contemporary Constitution of Bangladesh Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main drivers behind the desire to create Pakistan during the partition?

The belief in creating a separate Muslim identity Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that contributed to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's release from prison in 1969?

The widespread public demand for his release due to perceived injustice Signup and view all the answers

What major event is referred to as the Agartala conspiracy case?

The imprisonment of Sheikh Mujib and others on conspiracy charges against Pakistan Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the protests and strikes called by Sheikh Mujib in March 1971?

The dismissal of the National Assembly after Mujib's electoral victory Signup and view all the answers

What was Operation Searchlight primarily characterized as?

An orchestration of genocide against East-Pakistani citizens Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of Jinnah's declaration regarding the State language in 1948?

Outrage leading to the Bengali Language Movement Signup and view all the answers

How did the Agartala conspiracy case affect the popularity of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?

It increased his popularity as a victim of political oppression Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate public reaction following the news of Sergeant Zahurul Haq's death?

Increased outrage and a fierce movement demanding justice Signup and view all the answers

What major event took place on the 21st of February 1952?

A student-led demonstration against the language policy Signup and view all the answers

How did the West-Pakistani government attempt to weaken the Bengali language?

By substituting Sanskrit words with Urdu terms Signup and view all the answers

What was the general perception of the East-Pakistani people regarding Ayub Khan's government during the Agartala conspiracy case?

They saw it as a conspiracy against Sheikh Mujib and East-Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the economic disparity between East-Pakistan and West-Pakistan following the partition?

A major share of the national budget was allocated to West-Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and others arrested in the conspiracy case after the mass movement?

They were released following public pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What restriction was imposed by the order under section 144 on February 20, 1952?

Prohibition of demonstrations or protests Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome was declared by UNESCO in 1999?

Recognition of the 21st of February as the International Mother Tongue Day Signup and view all the answers

Which movement did Sheikh Mujibur Rahman develop to address the economic issues of East-Pakistan?

The Six Point Demand Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the role of general elections in the events leading to East-Pakistan's independence?

The elections led to Sheikh Mujib's party winning but were ignored by the West-Pakistani rulers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the successful initiatives by the working-class and political activists in East Pakistan?

Official recognition of Bengali as a State language Signup and view all the answers

What was one of General Ayub Khan's underestimated aspects regarding Sheikh Mujib?

Mujib's popularity among the East-Pakistani people Signup and view all the answers

How did the military presence in West-Pakistan compare to that in East-Pakistan?

West-Pakistan had 25 times more military personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the economic statistics that emphasized East-Pakistan's contribution to the national economy?

East-Pakistan was responsible for 62% of the revenue income. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the Bengali people to protest against the government's decision on the language?

Concern for cultural identity and survival of their mother tongue Signup and view all the answers

What was indicated by the per capita income comparison between West-Pakistan and East-Pakistan during 1959-1960?

West-Pakistan had a per capita income 32% higher than East-Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event occurred during the protest organized on the 21st of February 1952?

The armed forces opened fire, resulting in five deaths Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key demands in the Six Points Demand regarding military capabilities?

Raise and maintain a self-contained armed force in East-Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

Which language besides Bengali was mentioned as a State language of Pakistan?

Urdu Signup and view all the answers

What was the general sentiment of the Bengali people towards the West-Pakistani government’s language policy?

Defiance and strong opposition Signup and view all the answers

What economic relationship was compared to the exploitation of East-Pakistan by West-Pakistan?

British colonial power over the subcontinent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a characteristic of East-Pakistan's employment situation compared to West-Pakistan?

East-Pakistanis were significantly underrepresented in high positions. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Six Point Demand propose about the economic governance of East-Pakistan?

Consolidation of autonomy and control over local resources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1971 Liberation War: Birth of Bangladesh

The 1971 liberation war significantly shaped Bangladeshi identity and continues to influence contemporary politics and society.
The war established Bangladesh as an independent nation.
The war's causes were complex, including religious division.
Understanding the socio-economic landscape of Bangladesh requires examining Pakistani colonial history and the 1971 war.

Partition of the Indian Subcontinent and Creation of Pakistan

Religion was a primary driver in the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan aimed to make Bangladeshis exemplary Muslims by separating them from their Hindu background, contributing to the war.
The partition of British India followed the devastation of World War II and resulted in two independent nations: India and Pakistan.
The demand for a Muslim state (Lahore Resolution/Pakistan Resolution) came from a fear of Muslim minority rights, prompted by religious differences, rather than an absolute desire for an Islamic state.

Discrimination and Exploitation by West Pakistan

West Pakistan's political establishment was primarily in the Western wing.
Bengali populations did not receive adequate political representation.
Access to political power was limited for Bengali communities.
Bengali communities faced economic exploitation.
Resources were unevenly distributed across the country, favouring West Pakistan.

Economic Exploitation

East Pakistan faced severe economic exploitation.
East Pakistan generated a significant proportion of national income, but received a disproportionately small share of national resources.
West Pakistan did not invest adequately in the development of East Pakistan.
There were significant differences in per capita income between the two wings.

The West Pakistani government considered East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) as inferior due to its social and cultural associations with the Hindus before the partition.
Historically, people of various faiths interacted and shared customs in East Pakistan.
The partition led to a migration of Hindus from East Pakistan and the reverse for Muslims moving into West Pakistan, which created tensions.

Language Movement

The Bengali Language Movement challenged the dominance of Urdu, advocating for Bengali to be recognized as a national language.
The movement led to crucial protests and demonstrations that eventually led to Bengali being designated as a national language.

Atrocities Committed by the Pakistani Army

The Pakistani Army's actions during the 1971 war involved widespread atrocities, including killings and displacement of civilians.
The Pakistani Army failed to adhere to rules of engagement, resulting in significant loss of life among the Bengali population.
Significant human rights violations were perpetrated during this period.

Refugee Crisis

The 1971 conflict forced millions of people to flee East Pakistan and seek refuge in India.
The refugees suffered immense loss and displacement.

International Support

The war received substantial support from nations around the world, especially India.
Nations like the Soviet Union and countries in Europe played an important role in offering moral, political, and military backing to the independence struggle.
International recognition and action were key factors in helping East Pakistan break free from West Pakistan.

Operation Searchlight

This was a Pakistani army operation during the war, characterized by violence, terror, and murder of civilians.
The operation targeted political opponents and led to large numbers of deaths.

Conclusion

The 1971 Liberation War was marked by political and economic injustices, ultimately leading to the independence of Bangladesh.
The war had severe implications on societal dynamics, and continues to influence the cultural landscape of Bangladesh and Pakistan.

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Description

This quiz explores the 1971 Liberation War, a pivotal event in the creation of Bangladesh. It examines the complex causes of the war, including religious divisions and the socio-economic factors influenced by the colonial history of Pakistan. Test your knowledge on how this conflict shaped the identity and future of Bangladesh.