December 16, 1971, stands as a pivotal day in South Asian history, etched as the Fall of Dhaka. The region’s geopolitical environment has been shaped by this event, which culminated in the creation of Bangladesh. But the dominant story, which is frequently shaped by sponsored elements, needs to be examined closely and seen from a wider angle. Pretended statistics of rape and genocide continue, but their rationale is still elusive.
The words of the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, about the fall of Dhaka reverberate through time, demanding retribution for millennia and submerging the theory of two nations in the Bay of Bengal. India presents itself as the liberator of East Pakistan on December 16 every year, but underneath the surface is a complicated geopolitical game.
India took advantage of the unrest in East Pakistan, capitalizing on sentiments of ethnic and linguistic affinity and providing training to local militants. It appears that India’s actions were motivated more by national interest than by a selfless concern for the welfare of Bengalis, given the way political events leading up to the 1971 war were orchestrated.
India and Bangladesh maintained a hostile relationship due to historical disputes over the Ganges River and the building of the Farakka barrage close to the Bangladeshi border. Further straining relations between the two countries is the growing perception of India as a threat in socio-political, environmental, and strategic domains.
Tensions are increased by the unresolved maritime belt conflict and border killings of Bangladeshi nationals. According to Shariful Haque Dalim’s book “Bangladesh, Untold Facts,” India used the veteran of the liberation war for its own purposes. This serves to highlight India’s goal of keeping Bangladesh dependent and preventing it from becoming a powerful and stable nation.
There is documentation of the 1971 international conspiracy against Pakistan, in which India welcomed Mukti Bahini members posing as migrants, opened its borders to East Pakistan, and gave them weapons and guerilla warfare techniques. Similar strategies were later used by India against Sri Lanka in 1983–1986; however, because of effective intelligence sharing between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the results were different.
The trade imbalance between Bangladesh and India is evident, notwithstanding India’s assertions that it is an important trading partner and ally. While enforcing tariffs such as anti-dumping duties on imports from Bangladesh, India exports goods valued at over $6.8 billion to that country. Bangladesh’s exports are hampered by India’s protectionist policies, which are to blame for the growing bilateral trade imbalance.
On the other hand, Pakistan has been prepared for additional collaboration ever since it recognized Bangladesh in 1974. Both nations have similar memberships in international forums, which offers lots of chances for cooperation.
Another propaganda piece, which claimed that Bengalis rejected the idea of the Two Nation Theory, was untrue as well because, contrary to what was said at the time of the partition, Bangladesh did not merge with India after leaving Pakistan. Muslims in Bangladesh do not see themselves as being similar to Hindus, even after they gained independence from Pakistan. Even so, the Pakistani Army fought bravely in difficult circumstances, and the logistical issues West Pakistan faced during the 1971 war deserve careful thought. Notwithstanding the enemy’s superiority in weaponry and numbers, Pakistani troops fought valiantly.
No doubt, the tragedy of East Pakistan served as a lesson to us when we addressed the issue of provincial autonomy in the 1973 Constitution and, subsequently, further consolidated the federation by the 18th Amendment following the 2008 elections. Both sides made mistakes that resulted in violence and the establishment of Bangladesh. Great countries move forward by taking lessons from their past errors. As a country, we must decide on December 16 that sharing justice, love, and respect will fortify our ties and help us live in unity and dignity.
