Politics: 1954–1970 History of Bangladesh

the cabinet of east bengal, 1954.

great differences began developing between 2 wings of pakistan. while west had minority share of pakistan s total population, had largest share of revenue allocation, industrial development, agricultural reforms , civil development projects. pakistan s military , civil services dominated punjabis. 1 regiment in pakistani army bengali. many bengali pakistanis did not share natural enthusiasm kashmir issue, felt leaving east pakistan more vulnerable , threatened result.

in 1966, sheikh mujibur rahman, leader of awami league proclaimed 6-point plan titled our charter of survival @ national conference of opposition political parties @ lahore, in demanded self-government , considerable political, economic , defence autonomy east pakistan in pakistani federation weak central government. led historic 6 point movement.

in 1968, agartala conspiracy case filed against sheikh mujib , 34 others, allegation accused planning liberate east pakistan. however, trial progressed, mass uprising formed in protest against accusation , demanded freeing of prisoners. on 15 february 1969, 1 of prisoners, zahurul haq, shot dead @ point blank range, further enraged public leading government decide withdraw case on 22 february. mass uprising subsequently culminated in uprising of 69.

on 25 march 1969, general ayub khan handed state power general yahya khan. subsequently, sorts of political activities in country postponed new military president. nevertheless, students kept movement going clandestinely. new group called 15 february bahini formed under leadership of serajul alam khan , kazi aref ahmed, members of swadhin bangla nucleus .

later in 1969, yahya khan announced fresh election date 5 october 1970.

displeasure on west in issues of economic , cultural domination resulted emergence of awami league strongest political voice of east pakistan. in historic speech before hundred thousands of people @ suhrawardy udyan on march 7, 1971, president of awami league , father of nation bangabandhu sheikh mujibur rahman, called upon people of east pakistan launch decisive struggle against pakistani occupation , take all-out preparation war of liberation.