In 1971, the geopolitical landscape of South Asia underwent a dramatic upheaval. Pakistan, which was originally composed of two parts, the East and the West, has intensified internal contradictions due to geographical, cultural and economic differences. The people of East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) suffered a long period of political and economic oppression in West Pakistan, coupled with the bloody repression of the language movement, which fueled a strong desire for independence. In that year, the self-determination movement erupted in East Pakistan, which eventually turned into a full-scale war of liberation, which attracted widespread attention from the international community, especially the direct involvement of neighboring India, which escalated the regional conflict into a full-scale war.
The spring breeze of 1971 has not yet completely dispelled the winter chill, and the city of Dhaka, East Pakistan, is full of people. On March 7, thousands of people gathered in Ramana Park in anticipation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech. There was a sense of tension and anticipation in the air, and Rahman's voice was like a raging wave, "We have paid the price of blood, and now is the time for us to fight for freedom!"
As soon as these words came out, the scene erupted in thunderous applause and shouts. East Pakistan has reached a boiling point, people are no longer satisfied with the rule of West Pakistan, they demand independence, they demand their own country. Soon, due to the rapid deterioration of the political situation, large-scale ethnic conflicts broke out, and thousands of people were slaughtered.
As the conflict spread, India began to worry about the flow of refugees and border security. In November, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to intervene militarily. At the cabinet meeting, she categorically said: "We cannot sit idly by, the people of East Pakistan need our help." ”
On December 3, Pakistan preemptively launched a surprise attack on an Indian air base, marking the beginning of the third Indo-Pakistani war. India reacted quickly and provided military support to East Pakistan on a large scale. Over the next two weeks, the war quickly moved in India's favor.
December 16 is a turning day. After days of fierce fighting, the Pakistani army surrendered unconditionally in Dhaka. Bangladesh's war of independence finally dawned on victory. Indira Gandhi declared at a press conference: "This is a victory for justice and a great step towards freedom for people under oppression." ”
With the end of the war, the newly formed Bangladesh faced the daunting task of rebuilding. Although political independence was won, economic hardship and social wounds still need to heal for a long time. Bangladesh's leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has shown determination and determination in the face of the task of rebuilding the country. In a national address, he said: "We have won our freedom through countless hardships, and it is time for us to build our homeland and achieve independence in the truest sense of the word." ”
With the concerted efforts of the people of the whole country, Bangladesh has embarked on a slow but determined process of reconstruction. But political instability and economic woes remain serious challenges for Rahman's government.
The birth of Bangladesh is not only a change on the map, but also a historical testimony to national self-determination and the right of the people to struggle. This divisive war, while it has brought untold suffering and sacrifice, has also demonstrated the strength of the people's relentless pursuit of freedom and dignity. Looking back at history today, we should learn from it all the more that peace and development are the foundation of a country's lasting stability. As Rahman puts it, "True independence is not just about breaking free from political shackles, but also about economic independence and cultural self-awareness." In today's globalized world, this lesson is all the more precious and reminds us that we must not ignore the basic needs and dignity of our people in the pursuit of national interests.