East Pakistan

East Pakistan was the eastern part of Pakistan from 1956 to 1971. Today, it is the country of Bangladesh. It bordered India and Burma and had a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. To tell it apart from India’s West Bengal, it was called "Pakistani Bengal." People from this area were known as "Pakistani Bengalis."

East Pakistan was created alongside West Pakistan when Pakistan changed its government. Over time, leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman worked for more self-rule. By 1970, elections showed that the people of East Pakistan wanted independence. This led to big changes and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

During its time as part of Pakistan, East Pakistan grew with projects like the Kaptai Dam and the Eastern Refinery in Chittagong. Dacca was chosen to be a second capital for Pakistan, with plans for a big national assembly building designed by American architect Louis Kahn.

History

Main article: History of East Pakistan

One Unit and Islamic Republic

In 1955, Prime Minister Mohammad Ali Bogra made a plan called the One Unit, joining western areas into one called West Pakistan. East Bengal became East Pakistan under the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan.

Pakistan became a republic in 1956, creating an Islamic state. Leader H. S. Suhrawardy from East Pakistan became the prime minister. He tried to change voting rules, but faced strong resistance from West Pakistan. Economic problems caused unrest in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar.

Era of Ayub Khan

In 1958, President Iskandar Mirza started military rule after a coup led by army chief Ayub Khan. Mirza was later removed, and Ayub Khan took control for eleven years. A new constitution in 1962 made Pakistan a presidential republic. Dacca became the second capital in 1962, with plans for a large government building.

Six Points

In 1966, leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of the Awami League proposed the six-point movement in Lahore, asking for more power for East Pakistan and democratic reforms. Rahman was arrested but later released. Ayub Khan stepped down in 1969.

Final years

General Yahya Khan took over after Ayub Khan left. Elections in 1970 saw the Awami League win most seats in East Pakistan. A big storm in 1970 caused many deaths and anger toward the government. Calls for independence grew, and in 1971, East Pakistan declared itself Bangladesh after conflict with the Pakistani army.

Role of the Pakistani military

General Yahya Khan became leader after Ayub Khan left. Tensions grew between East and West Pakistan. The army acted against leaders in East Pakistan, starting a long conflict. East Pakistani forces and helpers joined with India, leading to the creation of Bangladesh after the war ended in December 1971.

Geography

East Pakistan looked very different from West Pakistan. Instead of deserts and mountains, East Pakistan had many rivers and green jungles. Some areas, like the Chittagong Division, had forests and hills, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet. Other parts, such as Khulna, Dacca, and Chittagong Divisions, were flat land made by rivers. The weather was warm and wet, with lots of rain. Because of this, people grew rice, tea, and jute there.

Administrative geography

East Pakistan began with 17 districts from British Bengal. In 1960, Lower Tippera was renamed to Comilla. Then in 1969, two new districts were added: Tangail was separated from Mymensingh, and Patuakhali from Bakerganj. The districts of East Pakistan are shown below.

Economy

East Pakistan had a strong economy based on tea, jute, and natural gas. The region had the world's largest tea plantations and the biggest jute processing plant. Natural gas was discovered there in 1955, and new industries grew quickly.

East Pakistan faced some economic challenges. Even though it had more people and produced most of the country's exports, it received less money from the government. West Pakistan, where the capital was, got more support and aid. This made some leaders in East Pakistan feel it was unfair and want more independence.

Demographics and culture

East Pakistan was home to about half of Pakistan’s people. Most were Bengalis, and many were Muslims, but there were also Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The area had many smaller groups too, like the Chakmas and Marmas. Some people had moved there from other parts of India.

The area had important cultural places, like the Asiatic Society of Pakistan and the Bangla Academy. It had popular newspapers, movies, and music. Famous singers and writers came from East Pakistan, and many were recognised for their work.

Military

Strength

When East Pakistan joined Pakistan, its army was very small. It had just one infantry brigade with two battalions and five rifle companies. This small force was led by Brigadier Ayub Khan and included the East Pakistan Rifles to defend the area during wars. At its strongest, the East Pakistan Army had around 150,000 troops, but it needed more for big conflicts. The army included about 6,000 soldiers from the East Bengal Regiment and the East Pakistan Rifles had around 12,000 to 15,000 members. During the 1971 civil war, a new group called the East Pakistan Civil Armed Force was formed with about 23,000 to 25,000 members.

The air force, marines, and navy had very little presence in East Pakistan. There was only one combat squadron and 15 combat aircraft, along with some planes from the civil armed force. The navy had just one destroyer, one submarine, and a few gunboats. Special operations were handled by the Naval Special Service Group, working with the army, air force, and marines. The Marines focused on river and shoreline areas.

Engagements

• Nachole Uprising

• First Rohingya Rebellion

• 1958 Pakistan-India border skirmishes
• 1965 India–Pakistan War
• 1969 East Pakistan mass uprising
• Bangladesh Liberation War

Battles

Main articles: Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965 and Timeline of Bangladesh Liberation War

1965 India–Pakistan War

• List of aerial victories during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965

Bangladesh Liberation War

• India–Pakistan naval fights of 1971

  • Operation Jackpot

• Battle of Daruin

• Nakshi Border Outpost Attack

• Battle at Ghashipur

• Battle of Dhalai

• Operation Cactus Lilly

• Battle of Garibpur

• Battle of Sylhet

• Battle of Gazipur

• East Pakistan Air Operations

  • Operation Kilo Flight
  • Tangail Airdrop

• Battle of Boyra

• Battle of Hilli

• Battle of Kushtia

• Battle of Shiromoni

• Operation Barisal

• First Battle of Kamalpur

• Second Battle of Kamalpur

Governors

East Pakistan had different leaders called Governors. They came from groups like the Muslim League, the Krishak Sramik Party, or they were Independent. Sometimes, a Military Governor would lead the area.

Some leaders acted as Governors because the president told them to, even though they weren’t officially appointed as Governors.

Chief ministers

Some important political groups in East Pakistan were the Muslim League, Krishak Sramik Party, United Front, and Awami League.

Legacy in Pakistan

When East Pakistan became Bangladesh, it was a sad time for Pakistan. Many people in Pakistan felt very disappointed. There were protests in big cities. Leaders changed, and a new leader gave a speech promising to protect the country.

In memory of East Pakistan, some people in Pakistan created a special area in Karachi and wrote songs to show their love for their country. Even today, leaders in Pakistan talk about keeping the country strong and proud.