1971: Resistance, Resilience And Redemption

The liberation war of Bangladesh is one of the most significant events in post-World War II era because of the complicated process through which it unfolded. The story has, paradoxically enough not been told, the military operations in particular. Much has been written, albeit mostly in unacademic veins. To that end, the Author presented an objective and thoroughly researched account of the war. Apart from the political background and geostrategic analysis, this book unravels the detailed account of the war focusing on the growth and strategies of Bangladesh forces, their role and effectiveness in achieving final victory with relevant lessons.

The myth that Islam was a stronger binding force than cultural heritage refuted due to geographical disposition, economic, political and cultural factors that existed between the two wings of Pakistan. The cumulative result was the rise of a dominant Bengali nationalism that guided Awami League winning in the Election of 1970, but the Pakistanis instead of transferring power resorted to military action. The Bengali military personnel instinctively rebelled risking their lives. As the Pakistan military marched towards the countryside, millions fled their homesteads in fear and crossed over to India for safety. The youths formed the significant part of this floating population many of whom transforming into fearless guerrillas fought for the motherland. Gradually, conventional outfits added strength, strategies were revised blending conventional and unconventional forms of war to compensate for the technological inadequacy and brought to its knees a powerful Pakistan Army. As the Allied forces advanced in lightning speed and wrapped up the war, the Pakistani Armed forces had no option but to accept a humiliating surrender.