In this file photo Sheikh Mujibur Rehman approaches microphones to address a rally in Dhaka.
In this file photo Sheikh Mujibur Rehman approaches microphones to address a rally in Dhaka.

ISLAMABAD: The creation of Bangladesh is one of the most sensitive and tragic chapters in the history of Pakistan. While the trauma of partition may now be behind us, stories of 1971 still raise hackles among anyone who lived through that era.

While there are two, very forceful narratives on what exactly happened, history is unequivocal. Perhaps this is why journalists who lived through the painful partition of Pakistan are best placed to recall and ruminate on the mistakes that were made in that fateful year.


On March 23, 1971, the flag of Bangladesh was put up in East Pakistan. At the time, Ali Ahmed Khan was a journalist in Dhaka.

“I worked for a progressive Urdu weekly, Jareeda, which promoted the rights of East Pakistan and consistently campaigned for the restoration of democracy under military rule,” he says, with a sense of fondness.

But as the memories take a turn for the grim, his eyes cloud over.

“It was the night of March 25. From my own home, in a predominantly Urdu-speaking part of Dhaka, all we could hear was gunfire,” he says. From the direction of the slums where most working-class Bengalis lived, he saw flames leaping upwards.

“Smoke filled the air and the sky turned red, this is what I remember of Operation Searchlight,” he recalls.

“Ours was a divided family; some lived in East Pakistan and some in the west. In East Pakistan, my family home was in the town of Dinajpur. After the operation, the country erupted into a violent reaction as the liberation movement was launched and many Urdu-speaking families were attacked. I heard from people coming into Dhaka that the town had seen some terrible violence.”

Cilocia Zaidi’s abandoned family home in Pabna city, Bangladesh, is part of a law college today.
Cilocia Zaidi’s abandoned family home in Pabna city, Bangladesh, is part of a law college today.

“I boarded a train and rushed to my family. I remember walking into the garden and smelling the pineapples my parents had fondly planted. The home was all but destroyed. Our things were strewn about everywhere; my father’s books, my brother’s records and albums...the house had been looted,” he says, gritting his teeth.

“The neighbours told me my mother had gone to stay with my sister in Parbatipur, and my father and brother were missing, but no one would give me any details. But they were all dead,” he says, with a sense of finality.


Now, 43 years after the bloodshed, as he speaks to us from his idyllic home in Abbottabad, Mr Khan appears to have made peace with his traumatic past. He even laughs as he says, “It was inevitable. When the Awami League swept the 1970 elections and the assembly was not called to session, what else could have happened,” he posits.

He is clear in his convictions. For him, the bloody separation was caused by the actions of those in the west.

“Admiral Mohammad Ahsan, the last governor of East Pakistan, recalls that when Yahya Khan came to talk to Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, he asked the admiral ‘What are these six points’,” he recalls.

“The admiral offered to send for the document, but Yahya refused, saying ‘No, no, I’ll manage’. This shows there was a lack of seriousness to engage with the people of East Pakistan.”

He says that some in his family have ostracised him for supporting the creation of Bangladesh and the Bengalis’ right to self determination.

“What happened to me on a personal level was painful, but it was inevitable. When a force denies people their basic rights such a reaction was to be expected.


Cilocia Zaidi was only 10 years old when Dhaka fell, but, “What we saw as children left us with scars that can never be healed. We don’t like to talk about it because it’s too painful to recall. But not talking about it doesn’t change what happened,” she says.

Ali Ahmed Khan shares his memories of Dhaka. — Photo by Tanveer Shahzad
Ali Ahmed Khan shares his memories of Dhaka. — Photo by Tanveer Shahzad

Now a journalist based in Islamabad, Ms Zaidi witnessed first-hand some of the worst violence that came to pass in 1971. “I remember our Hindu dhobi (laundry man) had a beautiful daughter. One day, she sat outside our gates, sobbing inconsolably. The gate was guarded by army men, who would not let her in. When we asked our mother why the girl was crying, she said nothing. Today, I know what happened to her and to countless others like her,” she says.

She recalls the day Sheikh Mujib gave his final call to the Bengali people and asked them to fight for their liberation.

“From the window of my house, I saw people emerging from every corner, holding makeshift weapons. I saw our milkman, an elderly man, walking with a spear in his hand. After that, it was sheer chaos,” she says.

“The resentment was against the army operation, not necessarily against Pakistan. After all, Bengal too was Pakistan, it was the land of the Muslim League’s birth,” she said.

“Bengalis are a proud people; proud of their culture and their language. But West Pakistanis always looked down on Bengalis and were very racist towards them. This is what sowed the seed of resentment.”

Ms Zaidi’s father, Capt Asghar Hussain Zaidi, had been a member of parliament and a part of Ayub Khan’s cabinet. Although he was Bengali, his support for a united Pakistan made him a target for the Mukti Bahini.

“They (Mukti Bahini) were people we called brothers or uncles. We were a vibrant family with a variety of political affiliations. My grandfather and uncles were Awami Leaguers and became part of the liberation movement.”

But when the trouble began, her grandfather wisely suggested that the family relocate to the village.

“I remember walking through the vast riverbed with thousands of ordinary villagers, just walking out of the city. That’s when the helicopters began firing at everyone. I remember asking my mother why our army was shooting at us, and she said that from their viewpoint, they could not see who was innocent,” she says, the emotional strain showing as her eyes begin to glisten.

Published in Dawn December 16th , 2014


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Comments (134) Closed




Rehan
Dec 16, 2014 07:40am

My family was one of those immigrants who migrated on foot with nothing but clothes and a backpack (with whatever they could carry in it ) .... Taking a boat to somehow cross the border for safety of their lives .... I was 6 months old then, in my mom's arms....of course i don't remember anything but my mom carried me all the way through the painful journey of migrating from East Pakistan to our new home in Karachi via Nepal ...... I hope no one ever, ever has to go through this again .... I hope we learn the lesson from history, specially our army, and do not repeat that mistake again

IBN E ASHFAQUE
Dec 16, 2014 07:42am

The sad part is that we in Pakistan at least acknowledge that Bengalee rights were denied. However, most of the Bangalees do nor even acknowledge that horrendous crimes were done by the Bengalees on the Urdu speaking population of former East Pakistan.

Ahmed USA
Dec 16, 2014 07:48am

Bygone is bygone...who did what to whom...who knows...and to what extent is the truth...if somebody did wrong to someone...than that somebody would pay the price someday...as they say what goes around comes around...but please stop beating the drums of the past (lies or not) when the new generation wants to move on and have nothing to do with anything that happened then...this is not good for future generations either...lets forgive and forget and work for peace and prosperity of the whole region and the world...take example of any developed country...they too had difficult times...but they always rise up and learn to live in harmony and also do not forget to help those along with whom they had grievances with...so once and for all lets hold hands together both Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indians and whoever and move on for the harmonious present and prosperous future..."Together Refuse To Be The Victims of the Past"...

Ali Khan
Dec 16, 2014 07:49am

Very sad but true part of our history where our Bengali brothers, who were at the fore front in the creation of Pakistan, were treated as second class citizens deprived of their rights

Karachi Wala
Dec 16, 2014 07:58am

A very sad read.

Ammy
Dec 16, 2014 07:58am

Yes, there are lot of things , which one does not understands at that moment, only to realise it later. That dhobi girl's fate described is a perfect example. We never learn from our mistakes, except only to preach. We fought for OUR identity and rights with British, but again fought among ourselves in an attempt to crush other Identity and rights , which was ONE while fighting with British.

Babloo
Dec 16, 2014 08:00am

Thank you for sharing. In Indian subcontinent we have so far chosen to ignore the horrendous brutality of 1947 and 1971, as if none of it happened.

CHANAKYA
Dec 16, 2014 08:05am

The Partition of the Country left the Muslm Ummah divided in three parts,one portion in Pakistan,one Portion in Bangladesh and a third portion in INDIA.Was this act of Jinnah Sahab wise ?Even today,what remains of Pakistan is ALWAYS IN TURMOIL,never happy.Pakistan lost its bearings when it ceded its Power and Authority to Ayub Khan WHO MADE HIMSELF A GENERAL.Same story repeated itself when power was allowed to be usurped by Yahya Khan,Zia-Ul-Huq ,Pervez Musharraf.Pakistan lost East PAKISTAN when she failed to honour the democratic Verdict and denied Mujibur Rehman as Prime Minister of Pakistan,at the behest of Zulfiquar Bhutto.Even today,there is a great danger of fragmentation of the Country if Baluchistan continues to get persecuted.

Qamar
Dec 16, 2014 08:18am

Did we learn any lesson from this tragedy? definitely not.

M. Emad
Dec 16, 2014 08:20am

Ultimately, Bangladesh is victorious and Pakistan defeated.

Guest
Dec 16, 2014 08:27am

Mercifully, India is not being blamed!

Saleem ur rehman
Dec 16, 2014 08:53am

ALAS .....we haven't learned our lesson yet...

Anser
Dec 16, 2014 09:05am

East Bengal is now Bangladesh. But the west Pakistan is still divided in the form of Muhajirs, Balochi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtooni etc lines...lessons to be learnt!!

Khan-Haqiqi
Dec 16, 2014 09:06am

" But West Pakistanis always looked down on Bengalis and were very racist towards them". Isn't the same still practised by Punjabi establishment against people of Karachi, Sindh and Balochistan, these people will never learn

mithun anand
Dec 16, 2014 09:09am

I salute the Bengalis on this special day. It was proved by them that religion can not be the reason to create a nation . Salute Mujib Ur Rahman ! Salute to all Bengali ! The nation (Bangladesh) is progressing and I strongly believe that they will be way ahead in future. JOY BANGLA ! Thanks Dawn for the courage to publish the article but it would be very nice if it would have shown the picture of atrocities and mass killing the Bengal faced at that time.

Prem
Dec 16, 2014 09:16am

Thats a very strong emotion provoking final punch line "asking my mother why our army was shooting at us, and she said that from their viewpoint, they could not see who was innocent,” she says, the emotional strain showing as her eyes begin to glisten."

Mature societies tend to identify their mistake and accept and change. immature societies will find reason/fault in others for their wrong-acts.

Raheel Zafar
Dec 16, 2014 09:33am

A sound leadership foresees the situation prevailing in the country and takes precautionary measures to prevent chaos leading to disaster. But in our case, our so called leaders were promoting this disaster to spread since the liberation of Pakistan. One of the biggest loss in the history of Pakistan is the separation of East Pakistan and this all happened due to the mutual interests of hypocrite leaders running our country. Recall of history repeatedly lauds to learn lesson but we the Pakistani have promised to learn nothing from our history. What we can do now is to maintain good relations with our Bengali brothers and support them in their problems...

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 09:39am

Interestingly , Mujib , Bhutto and Indra Gandhi are still considered heroes in their respective countries despite their considerable role in their considerable role in Dhaka debacle.

Timur Lang
Dec 16, 2014 09:41am

No women were raped in Bangladesh. It is a big lie.

Alfa Romeo
Dec 16, 2014 09:42am

Nice Article. When will Pakistanis realize that the Pakistani Army was the very cause of the Disintegration then. & Most Probably, the cause of disintegration in very near future. The Mishandling of issues, disdain of democracy were the cause then. Balochistan, FP and host of other areas are suffering similar mistreatment by Armed Forces. These areas have been locked down from media and atrocities committed on the people by the army.

H L
Dec 16, 2014 09:42am

Facts must be stated, They are going to be hard, but we need to acknowledge them and build on them instead of feeding lies after lies after lies. Its going to be painful, but we are ready for facts, no more theories. Facts on grounds not in mind set.

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 09:44am

The hate between East and West Pakistan was mutual. Bangalis have always played the "innocent victim" . Yes , Bangalis were dealt with unfairly , but their hatred for West Pakistan , particularly Punjab played a considerable role in fanning the flames that eventually caused the Debacle.

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 09:47am

And after considering Indian supported Mukti Bahini their "brothers and uncles" , Bangalis really shouldn't be complaining now as to why the Army found it hard to differentiate between friend and foe. Call it what you will , Mukti Bahini was nothing short of a terrorist organization.

Usman
Dec 16, 2014 09:50am

The crowd shown in the above picture is seen now a days again and they are asking mere justice but once again the sitting government is repeating the history unfortunately.

Beena Siddiqui
Dec 16, 2014 09:50am

Fall of Dhaka is definitely the biggest damage , our enemy has given us. He took the revenge that we broke the idea of Akhand Bharat , they broke the idea of bigger Pakistan. Alas! there are always some people inside our own society , who fully back up and support these enemies to fulfill their agenda.

Ahmad
Dec 16, 2014 09:59am

Although painful event of the history, still I congratulate all people of Bangladesh their independence day. May we mend our ties and be good friends again.

Gaurav Arya
Dec 16, 2014 10:03am

What you have written is true, but not many Pakistanis will buy your story. Having been fed on how Bangladesh was a conspiracy by India and the USA, your beautifully written piece will be laughed at with derision. Like no Bollywood movie is complete without an item song, similarly no Pakistani theory is complete without a conspiracy. To admit one's fault is the hallmark of a sane mind. But in Pakistan, unless there is a conniving Hindu, a ruthless Christian and a dubious Jew, what fun is there in a story?

Rao
Dec 16, 2014 10:06am

And most Pakistanis still believe that India has divided them....Jinnah himself has planted the seed of secession by imposing Urdu on people who are proud of their language, literature & culture.

Chi Ben
Dec 16, 2014 10:08am

Only Providence can tell what is in store for Humanity. Was it a right decision to declare Pakistan a Muslim country? Would it had been good if it had followed Indus Valley Civilization and kept the glorious culture, values and practices of East and West and assimilated gradually? Is it good for South Asia with Bangladesh as a separate country than a part and parcel of Pakistan? Only time will tell, but anything built on violence and intolerance looks for more repressive thinking, faith and religious bigotry to hoodwink the masses and distract them from the failure of the ruling elite. Bangladesh has fast drifted to be a failed state, sooner than later it will be worse off than Pakistan (not my wish, but an analysis of what is prevailing on the ground and how its poorest of the poor have nothing to live on and how they are migrating to India to work as farm labourers and maids, and to Canada, UK and USA to work at the lowest echelons at the lowest paid workers.

shyam
Dec 16, 2014 10:25am

You can twist and turn history and blame others but I hope younger generation Pakistanis will avoid the mistakes of their Father`s generation and treat all Pakistanis the same and live in peace with their neighbours.

Calcutta Man
Dec 16, 2014 10:31am

I'm an Indian, a Bengali from Calcutta, with roots in East Bengal, later East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. My grandparents from either side left their village in Jessore district, leaving behind whatever they possessed after the Partition of 1947. My parents would have been around Ms Cilocia Zaidi's age then. Now they are no more, and I only remember snatches of stories of life in East Bengal that they told me.

My wife is a Punjabi, whose roots are in Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan, with family now settled in Delhi. She too has stories she has heard from her parents.

And now our daughter is growing up in a forward-looking India, with no knowledge of her roots. Thank you Dawn, for this report; maybe now I'll pass on to her some of what I learnt here.

Last Word
Dec 16, 2014 10:33am

While India celebrates this day as 'Vijay Diwas' ie victory day each year, whereas for Pakistan it would always be remembered as mourning day and rightly so. Though the history cannot be reversed now but for such a major debacle where half the country was lost, some important lessons should have been learnt, which I am afraid is not done till date inspite of the fact that forty three years have elapsed. Those responsible for the division of the country and carried out genocide were never punished which subsequently lead to many military coups and civilians being abducted and even eliminated in custody which was done on a massive scale in BD leading to disintegration of the country.

Fahim Cheema
Dec 16, 2014 10:55am

@IBN E ASHFAQUE What was the ethnicity of gangs of Al-Shams and Al-Badar who committed large scale rapes and murders of innocent Bengalis.

Pats
Dec 16, 2014 10:59am

@IBN E ASHFAQUE : Brother, the affect party is the Bengalis of East Pakistan. They only relataliated against a brutal military suppression. The most damage was done to Bengalis, both Hindu and Musalman. Don't expect regret from them.

Sohail Khan
Dec 16, 2014 11:00am

A saddest day in our history which everyone should remember and take lesson from it.

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 11:01am

@Guest India had a huge role in this tragedy and it has gotten it's share of blame in the literature published about Dhaka debacle.

naeem khan
Dec 16, 2014 11:14am

the same thing is happening today the establishment is not accepting the mandate given by the people to PMLN in 2013 with their stooges they r trying to create a civil war like situation simple because they don't like NS

Ram
Dec 16, 2014 11:40am

@Ahmed USA " Those who have forgetten the history are condemned to repeat it" Santana. I beg to disagree with you Mr. Ahmed USA. One must analyse the past to have better future (it is not just for India or Pakistan, also for individual human beings). It is not hate mongering or finger pointing rather looking in the mirror!

Vivek M
Dec 16, 2014 11:45am

Exactly same mistake is being happened in Baluchistan and KPK.

Now, a days, there is open struggle between provinces, Punjab Vs KPK (Nawaz Vs Imran) leading the society to anarchy and encouraging for violence and some lawlessness.

Stone pelting and shutdown are regular routine in premier cities. Can you name any nation where these are the daily practices. Imran khan should wait for his turn to come. Let Nawaz govt finish it's term.

More he brutally try to get the power, more speedily he will fall from the crest ones he gets the power. For his ambition, he is putting entire nation at stake.

I sometime felt very sorry about common people of Pakistan.

jabbar
Dec 16, 2014 11:52am

December 16 is considered to be a day of grief in Pakistan because of the country’s dismemberment. Ordinary Pakistanis have been made to believe that India broke up their country in 1971 with the collaboration of a Bengali traitor, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Most Pakistanis are unaware that Mujib of the Awami League had supported Fatima Jinnah (sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah) in the 1965 presidential election against the then military dictator Ayub Khan. Few young Pakistanis know that Mujib had won a majority in the first ever general election in Pakistan in 1970, but the then military ruler Yahya Khan did not transfer power to him.

S.M.Shabbir
Dec 16, 2014 11:59am

Large count of atrocities were committed against non -Bengali families by Bengali population , specially against Biharies ,In Pakistan no body realized the price which these unfortunate people had to pay . Countless stories of non - Bengali massacre on the eve of Bangladesh independence .

Ameer Paul
Dec 16, 2014 12:14pm

@shyam Yes, it is true.

Indian
Dec 16, 2014 12:15pm

Just a thought...had pakistan army caught hold of 100,000 India soldiers what would have been their reaction? How many do you think would have been alive? Now...compare that to what Indian army did with 100,000 Pakistan soldiers.

Ameer Paul
Dec 16, 2014 12:15pm

@IBN E ASHFAQUE If the rights are denied then fight for the right not for separation.

Mausera bhai
Dec 16, 2014 12:16pm

@rehan Please explain, how come Dhaka is debacle for Bangladesh and India?

Umar
Dec 16, 2014 12:19pm

Good Morning Pakistan was created on Islamic Ideology. But unfortunately we as a nation failed to apply Islamic norms to our society. Allah Provide us a complete system for living.. Until we understand importance of Islamic ideology as a nation, we will be repeating history some day. Now a day every body can witness hate between people of different region of Pakistan.

We should respect each other cultural values and we should adopt Islamic principal as a nation and also help other Islamic nations to progress.

Ameer Paul
Dec 16, 2014 12:20pm

@Ammy What were the mistakes? They were not given the power? What would happen if every thing from West Pakistan would be moved into East Pakistan, and then Mujib and any other leader would announce that East Pakistan is no more, it is now Bangladesh? Could not be possible? Every thing was possible from Bangalis.

Vivek M
Dec 16, 2014 12:26pm

@CHANAKYA : Very well said mate.

Keep eye on a upcoming book by my all time favourite - Tarek Fatah and the book is - "Orphans of Jinnah". In this book, author put up all the details of what you have said in your write up.

On the other note, after the fall of Dhaka, Z A Bhutto said - We have been saved. Look how he cheats his people.

It is him, who is one of the responsible for Dhaka loss, as he don't wants to loose power to Sheikh Mujib-ur-rahman and hence he requests Yahya to not to call Mujib to form a govt. That leads to the unrest in East Bengal.

Vijay
Dec 16, 2014 12:32pm

One might speculate the exact time, but the fact is India did play a role in the secession by aiding the Mukthi Bahini. India shouldn't have supported an insurrection against Pakistan, whatever be the provocation. After doing that, they have no moral standing to point an accusing finger at Pakistan over Kashmir. In the world of geopolitics no one is a saint. But at the end of all this we have made our lives miserable. Its a shame that when European countries could talk to each other after 2 devastating world wars, we still have our guns pointed at each other.

Lafanga
Dec 16, 2014 12:39pm

What's up with Dawn news 1971 fascination? Rewriting history are we?

Indian Reader
Dec 16, 2014 12:44pm

@IBN E ASHFAQUE With due respect - Please read history before such comments. the Bangladesh genocide is amongst the top 5 genocides of the world. Estimates wary from 3,00,000 by Bangladesh to as low as 26,000 by Hamadur Commission. Search wikipedia and other independent sources more than a 1,00,000 were killed and several women raped..70% refugees to India were Hindus.

Ravi
Dec 16, 2014 12:44pm

@Ahmed USA The story has to be retold so that the past mistakes are not repeated as is being done now in Balochistan

Taimoor
Dec 16, 2014 12:47pm

Well!!!!! Since it It takes two to tango, mistakes were made from both sides fueled by India in the shape of Mukti Bahni. But definitely, both political and military leadership from West Pakistan were the main culprits where ZAB was supported by YK. Sadly though, no body is looking as how mukti bahni (wolves among sheep) committed most of the horrendous crimes against both native bengalies and foreigners.

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 12:49pm

@Mausera bhai Dear troll, it was a Debacle for Pakistan . Forgive me if I committed the "sin" of not saying what would have pleased you.

rehan
Dec 16, 2014 12:50pm

@Gaurav Arya Read "Dead Reckoning" by Sarmila Bose , dear ignorant troll.

Atul ARORA
Dec 16, 2014 12:55pm

@ Babloo: "Thank you for sharing. In Indian subcontinent we have so far chosen to ignore the horrendous brutality of 1947 and 1971, as if none of it happened".

You mean Pakistan. India and I am sure Bangladesh have certainly not "ignored" the brutality, to paraphrase you "as if nothing happened".

Malveros
Dec 16, 2014 01:01pm

@Guest India was one of the causes for the separation.

irfan aslam
Dec 16, 2014 01:06pm

this is very sad situation and innocent peoples thought out with the maintain by the previous action to army ....she was asking to some feeling sad because nothing to release some situation create in the life ............Pakistani people or Bengali people together lived in it .......

Malveros
Dec 16, 2014 01:07pm

The truth has already been exposed regarding the falsehood of 3 million Bengalis killed and the million rapes. This does not mean that I don't condemn whatever happened but a lie is a lie.

Haider Ali
Dec 16, 2014 01:18pm

@Ahmed USA We should not forgot the past. We should learn lessons from it as Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

M
Dec 16, 2014 01:21pm

In any of the house, the prime object is to live cordially with respect of each others sentiments. The differences have to be solved peacefully. Unfortunately, 1947 (partition) took place as some elements were not ready to give guaranteed reservations to Muslims in governance and bureaucracy. Though these concessions were accorded to SC/ST. Any how, Pakistan after becoming independent and doing hard work to establish fallen to undemocratic institutions. The order of the day is also not good since internal fight is going on. Have anyone allowed any of his family member to go astray, no. Why all of countrymen cannot live peacefully by respecting each other and becoming a source of development rather becoming a threat to each other. This applies to every nation where there is fight internally. Give equal freedom and rights to all and live with harmony to a path of progress and respect. What Mujibur Rehman did was not the path of peace and progress but falling to certain designs.

Andy
Dec 16, 2014 01:24pm

@Rehan

Hello Rehan,

How did you reach nepal without going through india. If Indian forces were not present in bangladesh after thrir victory the bengalis would have lynched every west pakistanis.

WHYONLYPUNJABIS
Dec 16, 2014 01:37pm

Like some of the Pakistani Leaders have acknowledged recently,The only reason for West Pakistanis not to let East Pakistanis Run the Pakistan Govt which they were rightfully elected to,was "PUNJAB" did not want to "Relinquish" their POWER,that they have held on for almost 70 years.

Gina
Dec 16, 2014 02:17pm

Mujib was an Indian spy. Look how Hasina doing the slavery of India (Markets and election controlled by simple Indian 3rd class leaders) and how her people killing Muslims.

Gfellow
Dec 16, 2014 02:33pm

@Raheel Zafar Jinnah also did the same thing to combined India.

Akram
Dec 16, 2014 02:37pm

@Timur Lang

as a Pakistani I can only tell you to read the report of the Hamood - ur Rehman commission, our own Pakistani government's version of events says they did happen. Every Pakistani should read what was done there so we don't make the same mistake again.

Akram
Dec 16, 2014 02:45pm

@Gaurav Arya

I know you are a former soldier but you should not assume all Pakistanis are the same, anymore than I should assume all indians are the same level ignorant or in denial about something. Some of us are very well aware that west Pakistan was the party most at fault. But there is plenty of blame share around with Mujib and the indians who took advantage of the situation. No one has clean hands, but we must learn from history.

Shazzay
Dec 16, 2014 02:47pm

Lesson is still not learnt, we are repeating the same in Balochistan by not giving Balochs their Rights.

Raj
Dec 16, 2014 03:08pm

@Babloo I don't know who you are but as far as 1971 is concerned we have tried to help the suffering Bangali population who were mascaraed by their own army. We do remember the pain inflicted on this population and also remember our victory in creating a land for Bangali to rule themselves. With your ignorance I am not sure if you know we have something called Navy Day celebrated which is when our navy has brought down Karachi port. (part of 1971 conflict)

And 1947 is equally painful to both sides.

Jamil Ahmed
Dec 16, 2014 03:11pm

Well written. It's sad that we had to shed our brother's blood to satisfy someone's ego. May Allah bring peace to all the departed souls.

Masoud
Dec 16, 2014 03:22pm

It all started on 1st March 1970 when the promised round table conference was postponed due to extreme reluctance & firm opposition by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. This proved as the launching pad for declaration of Bangladesh that came later. The only question that I have in mind is ...Why Awami League that clearly won the general election was not given a chance to form a national government & Mujeeb ur Rehman to become Prime Minister of Pakistan? Who proposed I here & you there. If Mujeeb ur Rehman was allowed to become PM, the division of Pakistan would not happened. Facts cannot be denied.

Aminul
Dec 16, 2014 03:38pm

For the information of Mr. Ali Ahemd Khan, "Pasban" used to be an Urdu daily newspaper of East Pakistan. Its owner Hazrat Mustafa Hasan was a very pious Muslim and a great Sufi as well as a respectable acquintance of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His Mureed 'Shamsad' was also an unforgettable character.. After the fall of Dhaka, Mustafa Saheb remained confined at his house at Section 10, Mirpur. Let it be known that on 23rd March, 1971 in the whole of East Pakistan, only one Pakistani flag was hoisted on the top of the overhead water tank of Section 12 of Mirpur. It was possible because of a gentleman Abdus Salam who was renowned as muscled and brave man. The intense love of the Urdu speaking people of East Pakistan to the word PAKISTAN is unparallel - there are still those people in refugee camps of Dhaka waiting to be repatriated to Pakistan after generations.

Komal S
Dec 16, 2014 03:51pm

@Umar Okay there is nothing wrong with your love for your religion. History tells us that religion should be within the four walls of your house. Keep beating the same topic saying if only everyone follows true islam none of this would happen is a joke. News Flash to you, never in our future you are going to have a nation where everybody follows true Islam.

Aamir
Dec 16, 2014 03:52pm

@mithun anand absolutely right.........see the difference between bangladesh & pakistan in all sectors.......go ahead bangladesh...best of luck.....

Anup
Dec 16, 2014 04:38pm

@rehan, dear brother it is really upto you or someone to live in a denial mode and reject unsuitable and accept suitable narrative. Sharmila Bose in known to be a friend of Pakistani army and her work mostly revolves around the material supplied by the same army. So, if it is something you like to hear than its your choice and by any means you are entitled to have you views. I am sure once you get out of this blog and start assessing it in your homeland then there itself the narrative will be rejected.

Fawad
Dec 16, 2014 04:51pm

He se slum dwellers are human too, but the land they live on are not theirs, but still they keep encroaching forest or government land. Imagine if they grab some private land they will be cleared within a day, but on government land they keep on living and ALSO complain that govt is doing nothing. They should be thankful, govt is not doing anything. But in past I had read reports, slum dweller got apartment by govt, they either rented or sold it, and went back to slum, as it was free and got money from apartment. So it is mindset, even if they get job money, they will buy phone, tv but won't rent a legal home somewhere as they got free accommodation.

Ganga Din
Dec 16, 2014 05:11pm

@Ahmed USA : Bygone cannot be Bygone. You have to learn a lesson and prevent that from happening again. You migrate from India, your language, customs, heritage and outlook is different from the local population, don't expect them to follow you. It has to be the other way around. In USA, English is not you mother tongue but you learned it. You have no problem with McDonald's or any other stuff but you migrate to Pakistan and wanna govern? No way. You either behave and adopt the local culture or you get out.

Baba
Dec 16, 2014 05:18pm

Creation of East Pakistan itself was a terrible mistake. Apart from religion there was hardly anything else that was common, religion by itself cannot be a binding factor, look at the way various religious communities around the world are engulfed in death and destruction among themselves. Further, I cant recall any other nation having two halves separated by almost 2000 miles of landmass. It was an impractical creation based on ego that eventually resulted in so much pain to so many.

A Chowdhury
Dec 16, 2014 05:24pm

@mithun anand - Just to inform you that Mujib was also no saint. He assumed the role of Bhutto after becoming the PM of Bangladesh. His anti-India rants in Dhaka and Chittagong were appreciated by many Bengali Muslims back then. By then, many right thinking Bengalis were silenced and Mujib too killed the remaining intellectuals.

Indian armu built Bhairav bridge on Meghna river and Mujib invited UK high Commissioner to cut the ribbon, not the Indian HC. In fact he ordered to beat Indian engineers and officials who were still based there and was about to leave once the bridge's opening ceremony was done.

Kaam
Dec 16, 2014 05:47pm

@Beena Siddiqui Thanks for admitting that India is your enemy. This is where it all starts from.

Babloo
Dec 16, 2014 06:03pm

@Raj Its not equally painful. Pakistan west had 22% Hindus and Sikhs in 1947 before riots. They are now 1% in W Pakistan. India had 8% muslims before riots. India today has 15% muslims. So you can see which side suffered enormously more brutalities.

aguy01
Dec 16, 2014 06:20pm

Thank you Dawn for printing such information. Media is truly vibrant and free in Pakistan. Hope to see long live democracy in the Country.

Khan-Haqiqi
Dec 16, 2014 06:34pm

@rehan and Look at the death of Mujib, Bhutto and Indira Ghandhi how they died nature has taken the revenge for their involvement in 1971 debacle

Farooq
Dec 16, 2014 06:54pm

@Usman Yes, our Baloch brothers are struggling for their rights but our media is wasting time on establishment led destruction and chaotic politics of PTI.....very sad....we have learnt nothing from the History

Khansaad
Dec 16, 2014 07:28pm

@Chi Ben But Bangladesh is actually drifting away from the failed state index. Bangladesh's social indicators are much higher than both Pakistan and India. Its economy is doing a lot better. Its people are not prone to religious parties. And it promotes regional peace and stability. Bangladesh just might be the one to stand out.

concerned_kashmiri
Dec 16, 2014 07:33pm

Long live Pakistan.

Truth Will Prevail
Dec 16, 2014 08:56pm

@IBN E ASHFAQUE

You have a very good point

SK
Dec 16, 2014 09:34pm

Thanks for a very frank and truthful article. Truth always triumphs, irrespective of whatever lies the army parrots out.

TZaman
Dec 16, 2014 10:04pm

Truth is still farway. In the articles and in the comments: 1. Division of British India was totally wrong. Especially not in 1947. And not on religious basis 2. Founding fathers of India and Pakistan were morally corrupt who wanted to enjoy Viceregal opulence 3. When Pakistan was created - an unnatural state -- the founding fathers did not do their part of job to make it work. But were interested in Office, Money and Wealth. 4. Who said there is only difference between West Pakistanis and East Pakistanis. The erstwhile Pakistan consisted of Bengalis, Punjabis, Pakhtuns, Baloch, Seraiki, Sindhi, Makrani and mohajirs from India --- who in turn are from widely diverse area of India like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Deccan Hyderabad, Gujrat, Bombay, Goa etc). So how come difference only between West and East Pakistan is a fallacy. 5. The area which formed Pakistan in 1947, did not have native population speaking Urdu. So how Urdu became national language. Because the Mohajirs whom came India wanted it. 6. Founding fathers were more Imperial than the British, otherwise how come Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan was elected from a remote village in East Pakistan, where Mr. Liaquat never visited. Selection not election. 7. Mr. Jinnah spoke about egalitarian soicety not based on religion. But six months after his Death. Mr. Liaquat Ali khan pushed through the Objective Resolution. 8. Mr. Moudodi of Jamaat opposed Pakistan before independence, but became its Archangel after independence. How come? Such about-turn. Is it a feature of sneaky people?

A.K.M.Akhtaruzzaman
Dec 16, 2014 10:48pm

@Timur Lang Your 14th generation are lier.

Sanjeev
Dec 16, 2014 11:42pm

@Ahmed USA for the first time recommended your comment

mohshin habib
Dec 17, 2014 01:05am

Being a Bangladeshi, I am sorry for khan's personal pain. after many reading, I have come to a conclusion that nobody else but Mr. Bhutto was solely liable for 1971 war. I have never ever heard about a power hunger like Mr. Bhutto. He had been the Zamindar of Larkana of Sindh, the poorest province of the then Pakistan. His Roti-kapda aur makaan had been the best tool to deceive the mass. He never believed in democracy, but own power. yet I am shocked of the consequence his family suffered.

Ajaya K Dutt
Dec 17, 2014 04:02am

@Timur Lang - No women was raped. No innocent person was killed. Yes. The terrorist, Mukti Bahni, did do the killings.

Lomax
Dec 17, 2014 05:43am

@Vivek M Need to figure out how to take race and religion out of govt. Its a problem here in the west, everywhere. People need to care about people .

Jayadevan
Dec 17, 2014 06:41am

@Ameer Paul, so even after so many years, the same attitudes remain. Now I know why Bangladesh came to be.

MK
Dec 17, 2014 08:08am

@rehan "interestingly , Mujib , Bhutto and Indra Gandhi are still considered heroes in their respective countries despite their considerable role in their considerable role in Dhaka debacle."

Because , Mujib saved Bengalis from oppression and gave them their own country. Indira Gandhi saved India from burden of millions of refugees. India today has a friendly country and peaceful border on eastern side.

I definitely agree with you on Bhutto. Why is he a hero in Pakistan?

sunil
Dec 17, 2014 08:23am

@Ahmed USA ... this is why they is ignorance is bliss.... history paves future let's learn and hope it doesn't repeat in the future to other part of the country...

Amalik
Dec 17, 2014 09:19am

Ending is sad and bad !! But Bengali people are happy ! What ever has happened we need to look forward rather than cursing ! stayed nearly 10 years in Bangladesh since 2000 & have had wide range of interaction with all kind of society , but strange to note that BD people are under full influence of India culturally and economically and whether they are educated or not , the very first question they ask , which province you belong to in Pakistan! That show Hate against Punjabi especially ?? Now their history that is being taught in the schools based on negative feelings about our Army and Punjab .hence I can assure you whatever, you do it will not return to same level of love and relations . Few % of people still do have warm feelings but vast majority hate Pakistan one way or others . Bangladesh is dumping market of India and also India does not want to see their Industries progressing, especially with help of Present Hasina Wajid Govt. The town like Ashuganj and Bhairab are free ports areas for India and all sorts of good being imported freely . If you further go to Selhet side , this region is full control of India business wise and mentality wise. However, Chittagong has mixed trend. On the contrary ,while talking with highly educated people, they do admit that the figure of 3 million dead in E Pak. is not correct figure as such We-Pak. should also high light as and when about killing of Urdu speaking people in 1971 ( as my own Uncle was killed by AL , even though he was GS -of AL in one location in Chittagong ) And who ever left in Camps , it is deplorable situation and do not know how do they survive ?
The BD people are very political and they do things by their own ways . Many Areas are full of poverty and have seen men & women are working in exchange of food for their survival. On the other hand , young generation is very eager for education and advancement. Therefore, I noticed lot of development in Dhaka city as compared to 1999 but Chittagong is still lacking behind at large distance. Garment Industry is backbone of their economy and over 2 mln ladies are working in this sector. plus huge number of Bengali are working all over the world sending lot of FX .Interestingly Jute issue was main factor in their Freedom movement but that industry is almost closed!!! I am of the opinion that we should leave them alone and they will never like Pakistan and people , especially from Punjab .The time is healer and let them be happy !

Amalik
Dec 17, 2014 09:21am

agree with the remarks of Ibn e Ashfaque

Ahmer
Dec 17, 2014 10:04am

@Ahmed USA Very well said but we are doing the same thing now in Balochistan.

karnatakan
Dec 17, 2014 10:15am

@Beena Siddiqui Treat it as a blessing for both Pakistanis and Bangladeshi's, though the human cost was very high. Their union was artificial and could not have lasted very long.

As far as Akhand Bharat is concerned, most Indians are satisfied with the Bharat they have today.It is manageable, more or less, and economic and cultural integration is slowly occurring across the land and between people of different languages, cultures, religions, etc. Democracy, secularism, inclusion, and affirmative action of marginalized people are helping as well.

arif a qureshi
Dec 17, 2014 11:40am

a lot more to be narrated

kafirmusafir
Dec 17, 2014 11:42am

@Lafanga :: Dear Commentator, Dawn is doing you and many in Pakistan a favor. Dawn is actually correcting the history of 1971 that has been rewritten in a distorted way for the past 43 years in Pakistan, so much so that most people in Pakistan of age 40 and younger do not even know the correct history of how and why Dhaka fell because they have been fed numerous conspiracy theories.

kafirmusafir
Dec 17, 2014 11:48am

@rehan :: Dear Rehan, from your numerous comments, I can tell you are an educated person with a good command of the English language. However, you are unable to hide your ignorance and bigotry. Please try to remove the chip you have on your shoulder and you will be a much more respectable person who people will take more seriously.

Emdad_bd
Dec 17, 2014 11:55am

@Ameer Paul What you do if the govt. does not have time to listen your right rather than choosing bullet?

Deepak Talwar
Dec 17, 2014 12:09pm

Bengalis are the most culturally enlightened people in India and are very proud, and rightly so, of their rich heritage. They are intellectuals, not soldiers or business men and are politically very aware and active. The same is true of the people of erstwhile East Pakistan ( now Bangladesh ). It was downright stupid of the rulers of Pakistan of the time to think that the Bengali people could be fooled for long by their political machinations. The Bangladesh movement was like a massive Tahir Square uprising with a big difference - it succeeded.

rehan
Dec 17, 2014 12:54pm

@Indian Kept them imprisoned for 2 years and would have let them die in prison if it had not been for the strong international pressure

Aadi
Dec 17, 2014 01:51pm

I am shocked reading all the comments here...I actually showcase that how much 'adulterated' history is been taught in Pakistani Schools and colleges. If really the West Pakistan was the victim then how come Bangladesh genocide accused are mainly Urdu speaking Muslims and not the Bengali. FYI: During the nine-month long Bangladesh war for independence, members of the Pakistani military and supporting militias killed between 300,000–3,000,000 people and raped between 200,000–400,000 Bangladeshi women in a systematic campaign of genocidal rape...Now can you guys even count that figure ?

Feroz
Dec 17, 2014 03:04pm

In 1971 a Military Dictator refused to honour the verdict of the people. Were any lessons learned, none I think. After this sad episode two other Dictators Zia and Musharraf also dishonored the peoples mandate, while today there is another sponsored effort to derail it. Fabricating history and painting villains as heroes, has ensured that the past repeats itself.

kailas
Dec 17, 2014 03:51pm

The partition of Pakistan could not have happened if Gen Yahya khan, soaked in power, some how listened to some of the wise people statesmen of un-divided Pakistan.

IBN E ASHFAQUE
Dec 17, 2014 04:12pm

@Ahmed USA I agree with you but Bangladesh is still hanging people for 1971.

IBN E ASHFAQUE
Dec 17, 2014 04:17pm

@Gaurav Arya Your comments reflect the bias in your mind about muslims. Otherwise all sorts of people reside in all countries.

Ahmed Soomar
Dec 17, 2014 04:39pm

For small provinces we have same policy continued, we deny their language, few persons are looting resources of small provinces, we have made militant group for black mailing political parties, we have not learned from mishap of past. I have visited Bangla Dash in year 1980 and 84, met people there , who told me they do not wanted to do so , but we were compelled by not giving our rights, let us pray for safety of remaining Pakistan where political workers of nationalist parties missing and killing by some unknown power.

sudeep (BD)
Dec 17, 2014 04:47pm

@mithun anand -- well said, bro salute from Bangladesh!!

sudeep (BD)
Dec 17, 2014 04:47pm

well said, bro salute from Bangladesh!!

Dr. KMN S. Iqbal (Bangladesh)
Dec 17, 2014 04:54pm

Dear Dawn:

I am not to blame anybody, not to praise somebody. I want to see the difference is getting narrower today than yesterday to live in a better world for myself and leave a better world for my children.

Thanks for your honesty and generosity.

gary
Dec 18, 2014 11:18am

Most muslims never like to hear the truth. When Taslima depicted true stories of the hindus after 1971 in Bangladesh, she was hounded out of the country. And lessons are never learnt.

gary
Dec 18, 2014 11:20am

@Rehan You are wrong. Your army will never learn. 16th December 2014 will be another reminder what went horribly wrong in Pakistan.

ManzarAbbas Sajid
Dec 18, 2014 11:50am

Muhammad Ali Jinnah , The Greatest Leader of That Time did as it was the demand of that time.

and what happened later with Pakistan is the result of enmity and conspiracy of India.

Sumit Mazumdar
Dec 18, 2014 12:13pm

@S.M.Shabbir Pl read comments by Fahim Cheema and Pats.

Sumit Mazumdar
Dec 18, 2014 12:17pm

@Babloo Where do you get your statistics from - India had 8% Muslims before riots?? More than 25% certainly!!

rehan
Dec 18, 2014 12:54pm

@gary Of course , the Pakistan haters would love it if Pakistanis never learn . And how about we keep 1971 in focus instead wandering here and there. If you have something substantial and logical to say, let us hear it. Do not bother us with cheap theatrical dialogues.

raghu reddy
Dec 18, 2014 01:15pm

@rehan Yeah certainly, but that organisation came into being only when not hundreds or thousands but millions ..What kind of nation would sit tight then?? How can India , so DAMN POOR IN 1971 can manage to feed ,give land , jobs to a crore people from east bangladesh..Some where , some how it was forced to deal with this BURDEN and it dealt that way..

Mash@Hyd
Dec 18, 2014 02:27pm

I think we are not yet ready to live like humans. We are still barbaric! We consider religion, Jamindaari, caste, clans..... etc above everything. Human beings in this region does not have any value and especially the ones who are in lower strata.

1947, 1971.... this events will continue. Look at what we have achieved in last 50 years. Countries like Sweden Norway who have extreme weather have blossomed where as we blessed with all the natural resources are still fighting for basics!!!

joe
Dec 18, 2014 02:49pm

@rehan you are mistaken..India and Indra made the biggest mistake.. PW should have been handed over to Pakistan once they would have agreed to vacate So called Azad Kashmir..They would have done that due to internal pressure to bring PW back.. This Kashmir problem would have been solved once for all.Indra Gandhis biggest mistake..

RD
Dec 18, 2014 03:43pm

@Timur Lang oh stuff it! 300000 of them were raped. How do I know? Because at least one was a family member. I suspect you know you are lying.

Penn
Dec 18, 2014 04:30pm

@Ali Khan ... Only the elite in 3rd world countries are 1st class citizens in their respective countries.

Ali
Dec 18, 2014 05:10pm

@Umar Why only other Islamic nations progress?? What about non Islamic nations - do you not care about them?? Perhaps therein lies the heart of all the problems that face our world today!!

Ali
Dec 18, 2014 05:12pm

@concerned_kashmiri And of course I assume you meant to add Long Live India!! too... ;)

sajid
Dec 18, 2014 09:18pm

@IBN E ASHFAQUE . True ! I was also in East Pak . I have been living in USA for 41 years and even here the Bengalis are still belligerent towards the Pakistanis.

sajid
Dec 18, 2014 09:41pm

@Chi Ben . Very unfortunate .

sajid
Dec 18, 2014 09:55pm

@Calcutta Man ..All will be forgotten in the next 5 centuries ...

sajid
Dec 18, 2014 09:59pm

@S.M.Shabbir . Yes

ck
Dec 20, 2014 12:36pm

@Vijay please understand. The number of refugees pouring into India to escape persecution in Bangladesh was too high. India got involved even though she didn't want to