so-called "discrimination by west pakistanis" was an expected smokescreen to justify indian annexation of bangladesh/east pakistan landmass. 1947 to 1971 was 24 years only. this short duration itself just isn't enough time for systematic discrimination to take place. most shortcomings of east pakistani bengalis were caused by nearly two centuries of discrimination by british colonizers and domination by hindu zamindar class. this exploitation and the economic disasters during that period (including massive famines the scale of which even other places of the subcontinent probably hadn’t seen) rendered the bengal muslims extremely illiterate and economically deceased.
this was the reason that groups of people could be rallied on an issue based on their confusion between what a provincial and a Pakistan state language were, and the reason that let them to believe fairytales that “they” were there to snatch away our “mother language”. let alone acknowledging the official form of the “mother language” was developed by Hindu zamindars who set out to “purify” Bengal off Muslims and Muslim influence. and the effects still lived on when the 21st February began to be pushed as a grand day of the year for all of “Bangali jaati” – above and way beyond the actual relevance or purpose of the event when it happened.
amid all this, the United Pakistan administration adopted Bengali as the other state language (besides the trans-provincial and neutral language Urdu) in 1954 giving way to ignorance-fueled mob politics. @
the just you would still cry “discrimination”
even during this short period 47-71, amid all this self-inflicting harms from the actions of EP Bengali politicians, major reversals of the course of history were happening. after 1947, Bengali Muslims could get the highest scholarships in school (know about "roll number discrimination" against Muslim students in Hindu majority school pre 1947), attain positions in the military at certain levels, become high skilled professionals –things that were relatively unthinkable under Hindu mahajans and bhadralok class. Bengali prime ministers and presidents would have offices in Karachi (as West Pakistani leaders could have offices in Dhaka). and so what that the Punjabis were still greater in numbers in the military. @
the just would then cry “discrimination”
nothing was enough for some EP politicians. everything was supposed to lead to "discrimination" and the need for Indian military to invade us (aka to "save" us)
if there was anyone discriminating anyone, it was EP Bengali led by vile politicians discriminating themselves in favour of Indian interests
and boy was he right....
About language I have already said, this is in order to create disruption among the Musalmans. Your Prime Minister has rightIy pointed this out in a recent statement, and I am glad that his government have decided to put down firmly any attempt to disturb the peace of this province by political saboteurs or their agents. Whether Bengali should be the official language of this province is a matter for the elected representatives of the people of this province to decide. I have no doubt that this question should be decided solely in accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants of this province at the appropriate time. Let me tell you in clearest language that there is no truth [in rumors] that your normal life is to be touched or disturbed, so far as your Bengali language is concerned. But ultimately it is for you, the people of this province, to decide what should be the language of your province........................
But let me make it clear to you that the state language of Pakistan is going to be Urdu and no [255] other language. Anyone who tries to mislead [you] is merely the enemy of Pakistan. Without one state language, no nation can remain tied up solidly together and function. Look at the history of other countries. There[fore] so far as the state language is concerned, Pakistan's language should be Urdu; but, as I have said, it will come in time.
and i'm sometimes shocked at the accuracy of these words.... (@
kalu_miah)
But I want to tell you that in our midst there are people financed by foreign enemies, who are intent on creating disruption. Their object is to disrupt and sabotage Pakistan. I want you to be on your guard, I want you to be vigilant, and not to be taken in by attractive slogans and catchwords. They say that the Pakistan government and the East Bengal government are out to destroy your language. [A] bigger falsehood was never uttered by a man. Quite frankly and openly, I must tell you that you have got amongst you a few Communists and other agents financed by foreign help, and if you are not careful, you will be disrupted. The idea that East Bengal should be brought back into the India Union is not given up, and it is their aim yet, and I am confident -- I am not afraid, but it is better to be vigilant -- that these people who still dream of getting back East Bengal into the Indian Union are living in a dreamland.