Reminiscing about 16 December

Saima Afzal

16 Dec is known as black day in Pakistan history on that day we lost our larger part that is now Bangladesh. It was Bangladesh who gave vote in favour of Pakistan in 1906 and mulvi Fazal ul Haq who is also called lion of Bengal passed the Pakistan resolution on 23rd March 1947, which showed the Bengalis solidarity and unity for separate state. It was only the self-interest of few leaders that we lost our greater part. On 14 August 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent, sovereign and first largest Islamic state on the map of the world. It became only possible due to the tiring efforts and sacrifices of all the Muslim nation of sub-continent for separate independent state. Allama Iqbal gave the ideological vision and inspiration to the nation through his poetry and Quaid-i- Azam shaped his vision into the political reality by providing sincere leadership and uniting all the nation under the banner of Muslim League. Unfortunately, just after twenty four years we lost our larger part East wing from West Wing in 1971 war. Many questions come into the mind that what were the causes of fall of Dhaka? Who was behind the treason of this event? Why this incident occurred in the short history of Pakistan? Whether this was a political defeat or a military defeat?

On 16 dec, 1971 the division of two wings was great setback in the history of Pakistan. Although, the conflict between the both wings started from inception of Pakistan on the issue of capital as East wing claimed that their population is greater than West Wing, so Dhaka should be declared as a capital of Pakistan instead of Karachi. Karachi being a capital of the country became a centre of gravity for all the businessmen, doctors, engineers and lawyers who migrated from India. It was also said that the location of capital created economic imbalance between the both wings. Secondly, the Bengalis were not in favour of foreign exchange earned from the sale of jute should be spent on defence. Thirdly, East Pakistan believed that they are discriminated in job sector and higher posts are given to west Pakistanis.

As a result Hindus who lived in large number in East Pakistan they exaggerated the grievance and foster the anti-west Pakistani feelings among Bengali Muslims that eventually created Bengali nationalism and separatist tendencies. However no steps were taken by the government to manage the anti-west Pakistani trend. Sheikh Mujeeb ur Rehman was a passionate Bengali nationalist, he formed Awami league in 1951. He added fuel to the fire by presenting six points that were totally against the solidarity and integrity of the nation as he demanded more provincial autonomy particularly for East Pakistan.

Chief Marshal Law Administrator Yahya Khan due to explosive political situation in the country announced that general election would be held on 5th Oct 1970 and power would be transferred to elected representative. In all the election campaign speeches Mujeeb ur Rehman reiterated the implementation of his six points. . Unluckily, 1970 elections were postponed due to heavy floods from October to December that cause massive destruction in East Pakistan. Mujeeb got international attention and portrayed East Pakistan as victim of West Pakistan’s indifferences. Hence, general election held in Dec 1970 and Awami League gained overwhelming victory by 167 seats in East Pakistan and overall whereas on the other side Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won 85 seats. Now the way was open to draw up a new constitution.

According to election result power should be shared between the both parties but Mr. Majeeb was adamant to his six points. Many efforts were made to communicate for new constitution and narrow the differences between the two wings, but all prove futile. Mujeeb ur Rehman started non-cooperation movement. On 23rd March Pakistan’s republic day, Awami league celebrated “resistance day” and hover all over the Bangladesh flag. There was a great violence created by Awami League rebels and Gen. Yahya Khan chose to use force to bring law and order in the country. On the other side India exploited Pakistan’s dilemma and lunched attack on Pakistan on Nov 22, 1971.On 10 Dec 1971 United Nations asked for surrender that was accepted on 17 Dec. The 1971 was not a military defeat it was a political defeat because politicians did not accept election result and refused to accommodate each other for personal whims, vendetta and self-interest.

In contemporary, all the political parties should refrain from blame game and truly should work for the solidarity, integrity and unity of the state. A state cannot be secure until her whole population feels secure and it is only possible if the entire nation realize their responsibilities and fulfill them with honesty.