The Fall of Dhaka in 1971 remains a pivotal chapter in South Asian history , marking a significant turning point that reshaped the region. The event not only led to the birth of Bangladesh but also highlighted the failures and atrocities perpetuated by the Pakistani government, particularly its military forces.
In December 1971, after months of political turmoil and escalating tensions, the Pakistani military launched a brutal crackdown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), aimed at suppressing the growing demands for autonomy. The operation resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including indiscriminate killings, rapes, and the displacement of millions of civilians.
Under the leadership of General A.A.K. Niazi, the Pakistani forces unleashed a campaign of terror that targeted Bengali nationalists, intellectuals, and civilians. The military’s actions were marked by a deliberate strategy to instill fear and crush any opposition to West Pakistan’s authority.
Thirteen days into the war, India gained a significant advantage, leading to the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signing the surrender document on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka. This pivotal moment marked the transformation of East Pakistan into the independent nation of Bangladesh.
Around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers were captured by the Indian Army, comprising 79,676 to 81,000 members of the Pakistan Armed Forces in uniform, including a faction of Bengali soldiers loyal to Pakistan. The rest, totaling 10,324 to 12,500 individuals, were civilians, encompassing family members of military personnel or collaborators.
The Fall of Dhaka not only led to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation but also served as a stark reminder of the consequences of authoritarian rule, disregard for human rights, and the failure of a nation to accommodate the diverse aspirations of its people.
Decades after the tragic events of 1971, the scars of that conflict still resonate. While efforts have been made towards reconciliation between Bangladesh and Pakistan, acknowledging the past atrocities and ensuring justice for the victims remain essential for fostering genuine healing and moving towards a more peaceful future in the region.
“Dhaka Se Wapsi Par” by FAIZ AHMAD FAIZ (He wrote this nazm after his visit to Dhaka in 1974)
ham ki thahre ajnabi itni mudaraton ke baad
phir banenge ashna kitni mulaqaton ke baad
kab nazar men aaegi be-dagh sabze ki bahar
khuun ke dhabbe dhulenge kitni barsaton ke baad
the bahut bedard lamhe khatm-e-dard-e-ishq ke
thiin bahut be-mehr subhen mehrban raton ke baad
dil to chaha par shikast-e-dil ne mohlat hi na di
kuchh gile shikve bhi kar lete munajaton ke baad
un se jo kahne gae the ‘faiz’ jaan sadqe kiye
an-kahi hi rah gai vo baat sab baton ke baad
English Translation
On returning from Dhaka
translated by Mustansir Dalvi
We remain strangers to each other
despite our warmth and hospitality;
Let us attempt to be friends again
now, after all these encounters.
When will our gaze be relieved
by the sight of pristine spring;
how many rains will it take
to wash away the bloodstains?
How unforgiving were the moments
that marked the end of love’s hurt;
how cruel were those mornings
that followed compassionate nights?
The heart was willing, but heartbreak
did not allow for it. Could we not
air grievances, call amends
after making our supplications?
Putting his life on the line Faiz
himself had stepped forward, but
after all was said and done, all that
should have been said remained unsaid.
Article written by VOLF.TV TEAM , content strategy and produced by Manjeet Bhatt.
