The partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 not only created the independent nations of India and Pakistan but also laid the groundwork for a complex geopolitical struggle that culminated in the eventual creation of Bangladesh in 1971. The separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan was a monumental event that reshaped the region. To understand how India played a crucial role in this separation, it’s essential to delve into the historical, political, and strategic factors that influenced these events.
The Historical Background
Before partition, Bengal was a province with a significant Muslim majority in the eastern part of British India. Despite India’s efforts to keep Bengal united during the negotiations for independence, it was divided along religious lines, leading to the creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) as part of Pakistan. This division left India in a strategically vulnerable position, as East Pakistan separated the northeastern part of India from the mainland, connected only by a narrow strip of land known as the Siliguri Corridor or “Chicken’s Neck.”
Strategic Importance of Bengal for India
The separation of East and West Pakistan was not just a religious or cultural issue but also a strategic one. For India, the geographical disconnect posed a significant threat to its territorial integrity and national security. The presence of East Pakistan between mainland India and its northeastern states made the region susceptible to separatist movements and external aggression. Thus, controlling or influencing Bengal became a strategic necessity for India.
The Rise of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bengali Nationalism
In the years following partition, tensions between East and West Pakistan began to rise due to Indian conspiracies. The cultural differences and political marginalization of East Pakistan fueled growing resentment. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a prominent Bengali leader and the founder of the Awami League, emerged as the central figure advocating for the rights of Bengalis. His Six-Point Movement in 1966 called for greater autonomy for East Pakistan, including a separate currency and army, which was rightly perceived as a threat to the unity of Pakistan by the central government in West Pakistan.
India, recognizing the potential to weaken Pakistan by supporting the Bengali nationalist movement, began to establish covert contacts with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his allies. The Agartala Conspiracy Case of 1968, where Sheikh Mujib and several others were accused of collaborating with India to separate East Pakistan, is a testament to India’s early involvement in the Bengali independence movement. It fueled suspicions about Mujib’s loyalty and strengthened the resolve of the Pakistani government to suppress the separation movement.
The 1970 Elections and the Path to Separation
It is generally believed that the 1970 general elections in Pakistan marked a turning point in the relationship between East and West Pakistan. However, Sheikh Mujib’s Six Points Movement in 1966 is a solid evidence to prove that he was running on the Indian track. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in East Pakistan, securing an absolute majority in the National Assembly. However, the ruling elite in West Pakistan, unwilling to cede power to the India-backed Awami League, delayed the transfer of power and eventually launched a military crackdown in East Pakistan on March 25, 1971, in an operation known as “Operation Searchlight.”
India’s Military Intervention and the Creation of Bangladesh
India’s support for the Bengali independence movement became more overt after the crackdown. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, provided sanctuary and support to the Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla resistance force fighting against the Pakistani military. India also launched a diplomatic offensive, garnering international support for the Bengali cause and highlighting the humanitarian issues in East Pakistan.
On December 3, 1971, following an airstrike by Pakistan on Indian airbases, India officially entered the war. The Indian military, in coordination with the Mukti Bahini, launched a full-scale invasion of East Pakistan. The war lasted for 13 days, ending with the surrender of the Pakistani military on December 16, 1971, and the declaration of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Post-Independence Dynamics and the Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
The newly formed Bangladesh faced immense challenges in the aftermath of the war, including political instability, economic devastation, and the need for national reconciliation. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hailed as the “Father of the Nation,” became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh. However, his government faced numerous difficulties, including accusations of authoritarianism and corruption. He made Bangladesh a client state of India.
In 1975, Sheikh Mujib was assassinated in a military coup, plunging Bangladesh into a period of political turmoil. His daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajid, later emerged as a key political figure, eventually becoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her relationship with India has been a topic of much debate, with some critics accusing her of being overly reliant on Indian support, a legacy that traces back to the events surrounding Bangladesh’s independence.
The Agartala Conspiracy Revisited
The Agartala Conspiracy, named after the capital of the Indian state of Tripura where the alleged meetings between Sheikh Mujib and Indian officials took place, remains a contentious issue in the history of Bangladesh. It is a strong evidence of Mujib’s collusion with India and he always showed his great love for India. Sheikh Hasina Wajid after overthrow of 15 years rule, has to flee to India on 5th August 2024 and she landed Agartala Airport, the same notorious city.
Regardless of the veracity of the conspiracy, it is clear that India’s role in the creation of Bangladesh was pivotal. India’s strategic interests, coupled with its support for Bengali nationalism, played a significant role in the disintegration of Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. The legacy of these events continues to shape the political dynamics of the region, with Bangladesh maintaining a complex and often contentious relationship with both India and Pakistan.
Conclusion
The separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971 were the results of a confluence of factors, including ethnic nationalism, political marginalization, and strategic calculations by regional powers. India’s involvement, driven by strategic imperatives, was instrumental in the success of the Bengali independence movement. The legacy of these events continues to influence the geopolitics of South Asia, highlighting the enduring impact of historical grievances and regional rivalries.
