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History / The War of Liberation
In
the 1970 elections, even though the Awami League emerged as the
largest party in Pakistan Parliament, it was not allowed to form
the government by the ruling military junta. In the backdrop of
a non-cooperation movement launched against the military regime
by Awami League. Bangabandhu declared at a historic public meeting
held at Ramna Race Course (renamed Suhrawardy Uddyan) on 7 March,
1971, attended by around 2 million people, "The struggle
this tune is the struggle for freedom, the struggle this tune
is the struggle for independence." It was a defacto declaration
of independence.
Thus
in a preplanned manner on 25th March 1971. The Pakistan army embarked
on what may be termed as history’s worst genocide. A military
crackdown was ordered, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was arrested
and taken away to West Pakistan. But just before he was arrested
he sent out a call for the liberation war to begin. Known as the
Declaration of (lie War of Independence, this hurriedly written
historic document read as follows:
"Pak
Army suddenly attacked EPR Base at Pilkhana, Rajarbagh Police
Line and killing citizens. Street battles are going on in every
street of Dacca. Chittagong. I appeal to the nations of the world
for help. Our freedom fighters are gallantly fighting with the
enemies to free the motherland. I appeal and order you all in
the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last drop of blood
to liberate the country. Ask Police, EPR, Bengal Regiment and
Ansar to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is
ours. Drive out the enemies from the holy soil of motherland.
Convey this message to all Awami League leaders, workers and other
patriots and lovers of freedom. May Allah bless you. Joy Bangla".
Sk
Mujibur Rahman
The
Pakistani army went for indiscriminate killing of innocent people,
large-scale destruction of villages, raping of women and looting
and plunder. The Bengalees launched a war of independence in the
name of Bangabandhu and the Muktibahini (Liberation Forces) offensive
faced the enemies squarely. On April 17, 1971, in Mujibnagar.
a provisional revolutionary government was formed in exile based
in India. Bangabandhu was declared the President and in his absence
the Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister Tajuddin
Ahmed conducted the Liberation War in the name of Bangabandh.
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