Questions and Answers
What major factor led to the dissatisfaction of the Bengalis of East Pakistan?
Which of the following were poorly represented in the Civil Service and Armed Forces?
In which year did the disparity of employment in government jobs start to gain attention?
1966
Match the regions with their revenue and development expenditures:
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In the year 1967-68, East Pakistan had how many officers in the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP)?
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What percentage of the country's industrial assets were controlled by twenty families in 1968?
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Mehboob ul Haq stated that a Bengali family was among the twenty families controlling the economy.
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In which year was the national conference called to assess post-Tashkent politics?
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What was a significant economic issue faced by Bengalis in East Pakistan?
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The representation of Bengalis in the Army and Airforce was over 15%.
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What movement aimed to address the economic and political grievances of the Bengalis in East Pakistan?
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In 1967-68, East Pakistan had _____ officers in the Pakistan Tax Service.
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Match the job types with their corresponding number of positions in East Pakistan for the year 1967-68:
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Which region had a higher total expenditure in the period from 1965-66 to 1969-70?
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The East-West gap in per capita income decreased from 1949-50 to 1969-70.
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What was the total expenditure of West Pakistan from 1954-55 to 1959-60?
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In 1950-51 to 1954-54, the revenue expenditure of East Pakistan was _____ crore.
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Match the year with the corresponding revenue expenditures of East and West Pakistan:
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Study Notes
Introduction
- East Pakistan suffered systemic discrimination, leading to economic hardship and dissatisfaction among Bengalis.
- Disparities in economic development between East and West Pakistan fueled dissatisfaction among Bengali politicians and economists.
Discrimination and Exploitation by West Pakistan
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Employment Disparities:
- Extremely low representation of Bengalis in civil services and armed forces.
- Only 5% of Army commissioned officers and 17% of Airforce officers were from East Pakistan.
- Disparity evident in government job allocation, with East Pakistan receiving far fewer appointments.
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Revenue and Development Expenditure:
- Significant disparities in revenue and development expenditures between East and West Pakistan from 1950-70.
- Total expenditures from 1950-54 highlighted the imbalance: East Pakistan received only 20% of total expenditure, while West Pakistan received 80%.
- By 1965-70, East Pakistan's share rose slightly to 36%, still unequal compared to 64% for West Pakistan.
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Per Capita Income Gaps:
- 1949-50 figures show East Pakistan's per capita income lagging behind West Pakistan, with an increasing East-West gap over the years.
- By 1969-70, East Pakistan's per capita income was 331, leading to an East-West gap of 206.
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Educational Disparities:
- In education, East Pakistan's growth in graduates fell by 32.3% from 1951 to 1961, compared to West Pakistan's increase.
- The number of postgraduates in East Pakistan actually declined, while West Pakistan saw a 68.6% increase, underlining the educational inequities.
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Economic Control:
- 1968 statement by Mehboob ul Haq indicated that a small group controlled a significant portion of the country’s industrial and financial assets.
- The economic disparity was stark, as none of the twenty families controlling these assets were Bengali.
Background to Six Point Movement
- In February 1966, opposition leaders in West Pakistan convened a national conference aimed at analyzing post-Tashkent political dynamics.
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and members of the Awami League emerged as key figures advocating for the Six-Point Movement in response to rising grievances in East Pakistan.
Background of East Pakistan
- Systemic discrimination and economic subjugation led to dissatisfaction among Bengalis in East Pakistan.
- Bengali economists and politicians highlighted discriminatory policies causing economic disparities between East and West Pakistan.
Six-Point Movement
- The movement sought greater autonomy for East Pakistan and was spearheaded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
- Disparities included low representation of Bengalis in civil service and armed forces, with only 5% and 17% of commissioned officers from East Pakistan in the Army and Airforce, respectively.
- Economic disparities evident from government expenditure, where East Pakistan received disproportionately lower revenue and development funding compared to West Pakistan.
- Significant per capita income gap observed: East Pakistan's per capita income was 331 compared to West Pakistan’s 537 by 1969-70.
- Education disparities highlighted, with East Pakistan showing declining graduate figures compared to West Pakistan.
Political Mobilization
- The Six-Point Plan was presented and rejected at a national conference in 1966, leading to a boycott by Mujib.
- A large-scale campaign began in March 1966, culminating in a nationwide strike on June 7, 1966, which turned violent with casualties.
- Sheikh Mujib responded defiantly to government threats, solidifying support for the movement among the Bangalees.
Reaction from Pakistani Government
- President Ayub Khan labeled Sheikh Mujib a secessionist, threatening consequences if he did not abandon autonomy claims.
- Governor Monem Khan openly vowed to suppress Mujib, heightening tensions.
Significance of the Movement
- Marks a critical shift in the history of Bangladesh, exposing the central government's priority to consolidate power rather than address provincial concerns.
- Considered a major turning point for the independence movement in Bangladesh.
Agartala Conspiracy Case
- In June 1968, 35 individuals including Mujib were arrested for alleged conspiracy against the Pakistani government, aggravating public sentiment.
- The case was seen as a state conspiracy, further energizing the movement for Mujib's release.
Mass Uprising of 1969
- Following Mujib's arrest, widespread unrest erupted amongst students, artisans, and workers opposing Ayub Khan's regime.
- Maulana Bhasani played a key role by mobilizing support and organizing protests against the Governor’s House, declaring a national strike.
- Political organizations united under the Students’ Action Committee (SAC) to advocate for democratic reforms including the release of political prisoners.
- A series of violent protests ensued, including police and army confrontations leading to civilian casualties, escalating the uprising across East Pakistan.
Government Response and Conclusions
- Ayub Khan was compelled to concede political pressure, announcing that he would not seek reelection amid growing public unrest.
- The government formally dropped the Agartala Conspiracy Case by February 22, 1969, marking a significant victory for the mass movement.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the significant events in East Pakistan during the Six-Point Movement of 1966 and the subsequent mass uprising in 1969. It addresses the economic disparities and political dissatisfaction faced by the Bengalis, shedding light on the pivotal moments that shaped their struggle. Test your knowledge on this critical chapter in the history of Bangladesh.
