Bangladesh and its Neighbors, Fifty Years After the 1971 War

Fifty years after its conclusion, the war that led to Bangladeshi independence is one of the most understudied conflicts in the world. A panel of experts on the war joined us contemplates the enduring consequences of this conflict for Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
---- Speakers ----
Sarmila Bose
Mubashar Hasan
Ali Riaz
Yasmin Saikia
C. Christine Fair (moderator)
Learn more about the speakers here: georgetown.edu/event/banglade...
---- About the War ----
In 1971, the Bengalis in East Pakistan-who comprised more than half of Pakistan’s population at independence in 1947-waged an insurrection for independence after some two decades of economic exploitation, dereliction of duty to re-invest in the province, cultural and ethno-linguistic discrimination, exclusion from government jobs and military service and deliberate political marginalization. Initially, the conflict was domestic and took particular urgency in March 1971 when it became clear the East Pakistan-based Awami League, which swept the 1970/71 elections, would not be allowed to form the government. The Pakistan army responded with a brutally violent crackdown known as Operation Search Light. As refugees streamed into India, India sought international assistance in pressuring Pakistan to cease and desist what was increasingly an ethnic cleansing of Bengalis generally, but Bengali Hindus in particular. India was ill-prepared for war and the looming monsoons made conventional conflict impossible. Throughout the summer, India armed the rebels and helped nurture the political classes in exile. By winter, India was ready. On December 3, 1971, Pakistan launched a pre-emptive strike on Indian airfields, signaling the official commencement of the bilateral phase of a war that had raged on sub-conventionally. After a brief battle, Bangladesh emerged as an independent country.

[@victor256in]

Sharmila Bose throws shade on the accounts of journalists and people who were there, while relying on second hand feedback herself many years later. What BS!

[@anshuraj4277]

Ek book ko leke khud ko dilasa dete raho

[@user-dc4bl1cu2k]

Except hers is not the only book written questioning Indian/Bangladeshi propaganda on the war.

[@victor256in]

@@user-dc4bl1cu2k There is no need for Indian-Bangladeshi propaganda my friend. We won. Winners write history. Propaganda (Bose) is for the losers.

[@biswajitdas-tg1ot]

​@@user-dc4bl1cu2kBose is not eyewitness, mind it