16th December 1971: From East Pakistan to Bangladesh

[Al-zakir]

No, this is a common mistake. This one is Maj Zia, BB of Pirojpur and Sundarban fame. An Arty officer much junior to Lieut Col Ziauddin, BU who belongs to Harbang, Chittagong.

Assad Sir,

I meant to ask you. If you knew what you know now(Awami-Bhaarti conspiracy to weaken Muslims in SA), would you have revolted against Pakistan or you(E.Pakistani solders) would have take diffrent rout to form lose federation/union of some kind.

Answer if you feel comportable otherwise don't.

 

[asad71]

Assad Sir,

I meant to ask you. If you knew what you know now(Awami-Bhaarti conspiracy to weaken Muslims in SA), would you have revolted against Pakistan or you(E.Pakistani solders) would have take diffrent rout to form lose federation/union of some kind.

Answer if you feel comportable otherwise don't.

1.I can answer that without hesitation. Initially Bengalees in the armed forces simply reacted when they were fired upon or getting killed. And once the Bengalee - (W) Pakistani War became a general conflict, there was no choice for conscientious people who got a chance to defect and join the liberation fighters. It will come as a shock to many, but this is true and I know some cases personally where (W) Pakistani comrades took their Bengalee friends to the border asking them to go fight for their own.

2. It was a criminal error of Pakistanis not to take the Bengalee personnel into confidence before launching Search Light. But we have yet to know what was in the minds of evil geniuses like Bhutto or diabolical people like Mithha and Umar. What was the involvement of the Qadyianis? Planning Commission chief MM Ahmed, a Qadyinai was very active those days and is said to have misled the govt into believing that the economy was so bad that a war was needed to pull through. In one of his televised speeches from his HQ at Islamabad of London, the Massih of the Qadyianis had claimed just after the war, that the break up of Pakistan was as per their plan.

3. There is no doubt that RAW was active in this break up since 1965. Brig Sabegh Singh, a crucial man in this programme, was posted to a new super secret outfit called Kilo Force or Delta Sector in Dec 1970. He was the man in charge of training and organizing Mukti Bahini civilian fighters. So hush hush was this affair that Sabegh Singh's family did not anything about his whereabouts from Dec 70 to Apr 71.

 

[Zabaniyah]

Assad Sir,

I meant to ask you. If you knew what you know now(Awami-Bhaarti conspiracy to weaken Muslims in SA), would you have revolted against Pakistan or you(E.Pakistani solders) would have take diffrent rout to form lose federation/union of some kind.

Answer if you feel comportable otherwise don't.

I'd like to add something here.

Someone here once asked as to what went wrong with Operation Searchlight. Sure, Pakistan had every right to enforce the rule of law and order. However, what went wrong with that operation was pretty much everything.

The operation failed to suppress the Awami/Bengali Nationalist activists. See, the West Pakistanis did not know exactly who the Awami activists were, or their whereabouts. They did not have an accurate picture of their activities either even knowing that they were up to something.

They completely missed their target during the operation, and dropped the bomb on the incorrect targets. Hence adding grievances that led the ethnic Bengali population to revolt and increased support for the Bengali Nationalists.

So much so, the Pakistan Army had very few leads. And so they relied on the so-called "Razaakars" for intelligence. Their task was to offer information on the Awami's whereabouts, and yes they were paid of-course.

What the Pakistanis did not realize was that the people whom they were relying upon for that particular information were apparently targeting individuals whom they had personal dislikes, or a threat to their power base.

The mission was hence a catastrophic failure.

Another aspect was that the Pakistani leaders did tend to misuse intelligence reports. The ISI are at least always dependable. Mujib had nothing to do with the Agartala Conspiracy in the first place, and yet he was framed. I bet he didn't even know about the damn thing.

The one thing that folks need to realize is that our big brother to the West gave very little thought into the security of East Pakistan. That is even after instigating an insurgency in North East India during the 60's. Not to mention a lackluster air force (they only had one squadron of back-dated F-86's) and a close to non-existent naval force specifically for the security of East Pakistan.

See, even if we look at the present, the likes of the Chatra League are still very powerful, having various links in the underworld to this very day. So there is the proof of that.

The grievances of that pathetic failure are still very real to this day, and yes these grievances are misused by a minority of bigots in a nation filled with clueless people. But I think we'll get there one day. Bangladesh is still a very young nation.

Despite all this, the creation of Pakistan will remain as a significant part of Bangladesh's history and identity. What Awami's and Indians say are of no consequence.

 

[PlanetSoldier]

I'd like to add something here.

Someone here once asked as to what went wrong with Operation Searchlight. Sure, Pakistan had every right to enforce the rule of law and order. However, what went wrong with that operation was pretty much everything.

The operation failed to suppress the Awami/Bengali Nationalist activists. See, the West Pakistanis did not know exactly who the Awami activists were, or their whereabouts. They did not have an accurate picture of their activities either even knowing that they were up to something.

They completely missed their target during the operation, and dropped the bomb on the incorrect targets. Hence adding grievances that led the ethnic Bengali population to revolt and increased support for the Bengali Nationalists.

So much so, the Pakistan Army had very few leads. And so they relied on the so-called "Razaakars" for intelligence. Their task was to offer information on the Awami's whereabouts, and yes they were paid of-course.

What the Pakistanis did not realize was that the people whom they were relying upon for that particular information were apparently targeting individuals whom they had personal dislikes, or a threat to their power base.

The mission was hence a catastrophic failure.

Another aspect was that the Pakistani leaders did tend to misuse intelligence reports. The ISI are at least always dependable. Mujib had nothing to do with the Agartala Conspiracy in the first place, and yet he was framed. I bet he didn't even know about the damn thing.

The one thing that folks need to realize is that our big brother to the West gave very little thought into the security of East Pakistan. That is even after instigating an insurgency in North East India during the 60's. Not to mention a lackluster air force (they only had one squadron of back-dated F-86's) and a close to non-existent naval force specifically for the security of East Pakistan.

See, even if we look at the present, the likes of the Chatra League are still very powerful, having various links in the underworld to this very day. So there is the proof of that.

The grievances of that pathetic failure are still very real to this day, and yes these grievances are misused by a minority of bigots in a nation filled with clueless people. But I think we'll get there one day. Bangladesh is still a very young nation.

Despite all this, the creation of Pakistan will remain as a significant part of Bangladesh's history and identity. What Awami's and Indians say are of no consequence.

Army is to fight external enemy, fighting own people no army wins and the final outcome is like what happened then. If you steal money from your dad's parse or do something wrong, your mom tries to save you from the wrath of your dad. Now if your dad thinks of heavy punishment, hell will come there at home. But if the same thing someone does at his office, he can take many actions there. Military rule doesn't work in family....does it?

 

[Md Akmal]

Thanks for your input. The US angle was pointed out by some, it could be false.

My stands are based on limited information and they are only as good as the sources of information.

I am aware that socialism was in vogue at the time and looking at current global situation, it may even make a come back, in different incarnations of course.

Two of the daughters survived, the other daughter's name is Rehana.

@ So, kalu_miah take my version also, in those days I was alive both in East and West.

@ FM Ayub Khan was moving very fast so the economy of Pakistan also. The Ecomy of Pakistan became a " Nomuna" in 3rd world countries. The people of the world used to visit Pakistan for research. " How could Pakistan develop so fast ?" That was the talk of the day ???? Pakistan was the member of SEATO and CENTO. Pakistan also made a Defence Pact with USA and Australia. After the Korean War-1954-56 about a 5 Division weapon both small and heavy straight way came to Pakistan specially in East Pakistan. Australia quickly gave the Sabre Jet. The relation between Pakistan and USA was in peak. The problem arose once the war broke out between India and China in 1962. America at once came forward to help India. America also requested to Pakistan to attack on the Northern Kashmir which was occupied by China. Ayub did not accepted the proposal rather objected that the same weapon would be used against Pakistan in case of War. In 1965 the relation between Ayub and USA was further deterriated as USA did not came to help Pakistan as per the Defence Pact.

@ In the 1965 War Pakistan was seriously bitten. Pakistan some how protected the Western Front but left East Pakistan under the mercy of India. Ayub now was in serious delima ??? He made his hand towards China and Russia. He also made contact with the Non-Alingement Movement(NAM) and within a very short time became very popular. The " Karakorum" HIghway was quickly built between Pakistan and China.Soon Ayub gave ultimatum to USA to stop their activities in Pashawar. Ayub also made an Economic forum known as RCD (Regional Co-operation for Development) between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. Under these critical situation USA proposed to Ayub to have an Naval Base at Saint Martin island in Bay of Bengal. Ayub did not accepted the proposal.Now, America started thinking of alternative of Ayub. Soon, they recruited Sk Mujib and he quickly gave his 6 points programme. During these period the Agartula Conspiracy case started. It is said that this 6 points programme was made by CIA and RAW.

@ Mujib definitely was a pro-Indian as well a Pro-American. In those days probably the American Asst Ambassador was Blood and there were lot of evidences where Mujib had a close link and had a frequent movement. In those days it was said that whatever Mujib had to say he used to say on behalf of America. And America used to work through RAW. But Mujib's youth front was out and out a left oriented and pro-Indian which RAW had done very secretly since early 50's. But the problem arose once Republican Nixten was elected as President. He was out and out anti-India and tilted towards Pakistan and through Pakistan made a link with China. Now, once Mujib was elected he was in a real problem. His all link with America was cut. The matter became more worse once the American Ambassodor physically came from Islamabad and told Mujib, " Whatever you should do, it should be within the frame work of united Pakistan." That was the reason why Mujib was in delima what to do ??????? Mujib never wanted that East Pakistan to be liberated with the help of India. But that does not meant he did not want any help from India !!!!

 

[Md Akmal]

@ So, kalu_miah take my version also, in those days I was alive both in East and West.

@ FM Ayub Khan was moving very fast so the economy of Pakistan also. The Ecomy of Pakistan became a " Nomuna" in 3rd world countries. The people of the world used to visit Pakistan for research. " How could Pakistan develop so fast ?" That was the talk of the day ???? Pakistan was the member of SEATO and CENTO. Pakistan also made a Defence Pact with USA and Australia. After the Korean War-1954-56 about a 5 Division weapon both small and heavy straight way came to Pakistan specially in East Pakistan. Australia quickly gave the Sabre Jet. The relation between Pakistan and USA was in peak. The problem arose once the war broke out between India and China in 1962. America at once came forward to help India. America also requested to Pakistan to attack on the Northern Kashmir which was occupied by China. Ayub did not accepted the proposal rather objected that the same weapon would be used against Pakistan in case of War. In 1965 the relation between Ayub and USA was further deterriated as USA did not came to help Pakistan as per the Defence Pact.

@ In the 1965 War Pakistan was seriously bitten. Pakistan some how protected the Western Front but left East Pakistan under the mercy of India. Ayub now was in serious delima ??? He made his hand towards China and Russia. He also made contact with the Non-Alingement Movement(NAM) and within a very short time became very popular. The " Karakorum" HIghway was quickly built between Pakistan and China.Soon Ayub gave ultimatum to USA to stop their activities in Pashawar. Ayub also made an Economic forum known as RCD (Regional Co-operation for Development) between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. Under these critical situation USA proposed to Ayub to have an Naval Base at Saint Martin island in Bay of Bengal. Ayub did not accepted the proposal.Now, America started thinking of alternative of Ayub. Soon, they recruited Sk Mujib and he quickly gave his 6 points programme. During these period the Agartula Conspiracy case started. It is said that this 6 points programme was made by CIA and RAW.

@ Mujib definitely was a pro-Indian as well a Pro-American. In those days probably the American Asst Ambassador was Blood and there were lot of evidences where Mujib had a close link and had a frequent movement. In those days it was said that whatever Mujib had to say he used to say on behalf of America. And America used to work through RAW. But Mujib's youth front was out and out a left oriented and pro-Indian which RAW had done very secretly since early 50's. But the problem arose once Republican Nixten was elected as President. He was out and out anti-India and tilted towards Pakistan and through Pakistan made a link with China. Now, once Mujib was elected he was in a real problem. His all link with America was cut. The matter became more worse once the American Ambassodor physically came from Islamabad and told Mujib, " Whatever you should do, it should be within the frame work of united Pakistan." That was the reason why Mujib was in delima what to do ??????? Mujib never wanted that East Pakistan to be liberated with the help of India. But that does not meant he did not want any help from India !!!!

@ There was a saying in those days (British Period) in Indian Sub-Continent that " What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow". Definitely there was some truth on it. It was said as because Bengal was the first who came under British rule then the other parts of India. So, naturally the Bengali people were much more politically matured than other people of India.

@ On the other hand the people of Punjab and Peshawar came under British rule on that day
(1846) after the defeat of Ranjit Singh by the British Forces. Bengal came under British rule in 1757 after Battle of Pallassy. During the "Sepoy Mutiny" once the Bengali soldiers along with other soldiers of India were fighting with the English people, the Pathans and Punjabi soldiers were collaborating with the British forces to defuse the mutiny. Soon, the Pathans and Punjabi's were awarded as " Marshal Race" and Bengalise were branded as revolter and unsuitable for military jobs !!!!

@ Through out 24 years of united Pakistan the politicians of West Pakistan were proved to be immatured and failed to tackle the situation of 1971. It was daffer Genral Yahya who without realising the political implication made a conspiracy and over threw FM Ayub Khan. He at once freezed the Cental Account of Convention Leaque ( pro-Ayub). After some times he also ordered to freeze the accounts of 22 industrial families. Soon, near about 500 senior CSP officers were force fully retired. All the above actions crippled the politics of Muslim Leaque in Pakistan. In fact Yahya was afraid of all fractions of Muslim Leaque as because he himself came to power illegally. Behind the scene he always favoured Awami Leaque and PPP. So, after the general election Yahya himself was in trap. In thoses days in late March 1971 the Pakistani Army was not in aposition to attack on the civilian as their strenght was much less then the Bengali troops so they prefered to sent the Bengali troops in different location isolately and whenever they got the chance they dis-armed the Bengali soldiers and in the process they killeds many Bengali soldiers. They hardly catch hold the Awami Leaque MP's. However, it was found that near about 45 MNA/MP's surrendered to Pakistani forces and out of these two became a ministers in Malek's Cabinet.

 

[Zabaniyah]

Keep Kashmir discussions out please.

 

[kalu_miah]

@Armstrong @Hyperion, I would like to extend my apologies for loosing temper on the other closed thread, one should have no excuse for that:
http://www.defence.pk/forums/bangla...lding-first-nuclear-plant-12.html#post4841015

Also, I had one question for you guys, what is your opinion about Operation Searchlight, was it justified?

I think we can agree to disagree on past events and history and have our own "narratives", but that should not prevent Bangladesh and Pakistan to move forward on improving relations and work together on world stage, if such opportunities present themselves or at least not try to undermine each others interest. For that to happen, it will help if all of us are careful about how we portray the common past and not paint a whole people or nation as "traitors" who shook hands with the enemy. Most Muslim nations have a difficult future ahead, we do not need to add any more to the difficulties we already have. Rather, the more we cooperate the more it may work to our advantage, in my opinion.

 

[Viking 63]

Sad conclusion to what happened in the end !!! Bengalis have geniune grivevenses but the manner they went about in 1970 after the elections were wrong !! I have met many Bengalis and i find it that they have severe hatred towards Pakistanis and this include even very young people !!! Which begs the question as what Bangladesh is teaching in its schools and colleges... They have to move on but this Nation and its people are still stuck in 1971 !!!

 

[jaibi]

In my opinion it was our fault 100%. See, India was the enemy, there's considerable evidence to suggest the USSR had considerable input in the plan but in the end it was Pakistan's fault. Bhutto and Rehman's for being typical South Asian politicians and not relenting. The regime's for their total lack of strategic planning: you're surrounded by an ocean of hostility and you cannot think that this might be a bad situation? Seriously? We had to protect our own. We didn't. We lost. End of story.

 

[Anubis]

In my opinion it was our fault 100%. See, India was the enemy, there's considerable evidence to suggest the USSR had considerable input in the plan but in the end it was Pakistan's fault. Bhutto and Rehman's for being typical South Asian politicians and not relenting. The regime's for their total lack of strategic planning: you're surrounded by an ocean of hostility and you cannot think that this might be a bad situation? Seriously? We had to protect our own. We didn't. We lost. End of story.

It wasn't actually 'your' fault.You did not elect Yahya Khan.**** happened under the leadership of an un-elected military regime.

 

[kalu_miah]

Didn't Yahya Khan consult with elected leaders of then Western wing, before planning or giving the go ahead for Operation Searchlight?

 

[kalu_miah]

Sad conclusion to what happened in the end !!! Bengalis have geniune grivevenses but the manner they went about in 1970 after the elections were wrong !! I have met many Bengalis and i find it that they have severe hatred towards Pakistanis and this include even very young people !!! Which begs the question as what Bangladesh is teaching in its schools and colleges... They have to move on but this Nation and its people are still stuck in 1971 !!!

I think both nations are teaching wrong and fictitious history, may be that is the source of confusion for both.

 

[Anubis]

Didn't Yahya Khan consult with elected leaders of then Western wing, before planning or giving the go ahead for Operation Searchlight?

If he did don't you think Mujib would know about it?He did have some political support in the west.And if Mujib did know about it ahead of time don't you think he would have told everyone else?

 

[kalu_miah]

If he did don't you think Mujib would know about it?He did have some political support in the west.And if Mujib did know about it ahead of time don't you think he would have told everyone else?

I am asking a question and you are replying with another question, without answering the original question.

Someone with more knowledge ( @asad71 Bhai ) may be able to highlight Bhutto's role during Jan-March 25, 1971. This comment is the only material I found on the web:

Why Pakistan should apologise to Bangladesh – The Express Tribune
shahid
Nov 28, 2012 - 2:49AM
Reply
One thing that this article is missing is the role played by Z. A. Bhutto who joined with the military junta, in power at that time. After the 1970 elections he raised the famous “idhar tum, udhar hum” slogan. He refused to join the assembly session which was called in Dacca. All other prominent political parties went to Dacca except Z. A. hutto and his PPP. After the start of the military operation in East Pakistan, he thanked God for having saved Pakistan. He was supportive of the ruling junta and in fact in cahoots with them throughout the military operation. He finally became the foreign minister and the deputy prime minister of Yahya regime, and defended what they were doing. Bhutto could not accept Mujib-ur-Rehman to become the prime minister of Pakistan because that would have forced Bhutto into the position of an opposition leader in the assembly and effectively out of power for five years. This was not acceptable to him, given his feudal mindset, notwithstanding all of his noise about poor people and socialist causes. He would much rather be in the government than not; if this meant that the country would be split, so be it. And that is what finally happened and we are living with the consequences today. If he had supported Mujeeb and all other political parties who were clamoring for a civilian government after a long military rule, we would have been spared the martial laws – and a civilian martial law administrator – and the military would have been forced to return to the cantonments; they would not have had any choice. A united peoples of Pakistan would have won the day and we would be standing wihtout our heads hanging in shame. THEREFORE IT IS IN ORDER AND PROPER THAT Z. A. Bhutto’s inheritors today should also ask for AN APOLOGY FROM THE PEOPLE OF EAST PAKISTAN ON BEHALF OF Z. A. BHUTTO AND THE ROLE THAT HE PLAYED IN THAT TRAGEDY, BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN FORMALLY APOLOGIZES TO OUR BENGALI BROTHERS AND SISTERS.