East Pakistan
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East Pakistan (Bengali: পূর্ব পাকিস্তান, Purbo Pakistan) was a province of Pakistan from 1955 until 1971, covering the territory of modern-day Bangladesh. It was created under Pakistan's One Unit Policy and was geographically separated from West Pakistan by about 1,600 kilometers of Indian territory.[1]
| East Pakistan | |
|---|---|
| Status | Province of Pakistan |
| Capital | Dhaka |
| Government | Provincial Government |
| Established | 1955 |
| Dissolved | 1971 |
| Event that Created | One Unit Policy |
| Event that Dissolved | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Currency | Pakistani rupee (PKR) |
| Languages | Bengali, Urdu |
History
Formation
East Pakistan was established in 1955 through the One Unit Policy, which merged Pakistan's provinces into two regions: East Pakistan and West Pakistan. This policy aimed to centralize power but was criticized for marginalizing East Pakistan.[2]
Political and Cultural Tensions
Despite having a larger population, East Pakistan was underrepresented in the federal government. The cultural and linguistic differences between Bengali-speaking East Pakistan and Urdu-speaking West Pakistan exacerbated tensions. The imposition of Urdu as the sole national language led to the Bengali Language Movement of the 1950s, during which several students were killed in protests on February 21, 1952, now observed as International Mother Language Day.[3]
Economic Disparities
East Pakistan contributed significantly to Pakistan's economy through its export of jute and tea, but it received less development funding compared to West Pakistan. These economic inequalities fueled resentment among the people of East Pakistan.[4]
Liberation War and Independence
In the 1970 general elections, the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won a majority, but political power was not transferred, leading to widespread unrest. On March 25, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight to suppress the independence movement, resulting in significant casualties and human rights abuses.[5]
The conflict escalated into the Bangladesh Liberation War, and on December 16, 1971, East Pakistan emerged as the independent nation of Bangladesh.[6]
Geography
East Pakistan was located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast. The region was characterized by the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, making it prone to flooding but also agriculturally fertile.[7]
Demographics
The population of East Pakistan was predominantly Bengali, with a mix of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The majority spoke Bengali, while Urdu was used in administrative and elite circles.[8]
Legacy
The legacy of East Pakistan remains significant in the history of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The struggles of East Pakistan contributed to the global discourse on self-determination, cultural identity, and language rights. The independence of Bangladesh also reshaped geopolitics in South Asia.[9]
References
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica: East Pakistan
- ↑ History.com: East Pakistan
- ↑ United Nations: International Mother Language Day
- ↑ The Economist: East and West Pakistan
- ↑ BBC: Bangladesh Liberation War
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica: Bangladesh Liberation War
- ↑ Natural Resources: River Delta Systems
- ↑ The Guardian: Bangladesh Liberation War
- ↑ Al Jazeera: Legacy of East Pakistan