univerge site banner
Review Article | Open Access | Asian J. Soc. Sci. Leg. Stud., 2021; 3(6), 237-246 | doi: 10.34104/ajssls.021.02370246

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Formation of War-torn Bangladesh

Md. Hasan Tawhid Mail Img ,
Md. Rajaul Karim* Mail Img

Abstract

The main consciousness of the Pakistan movement was the economy. At least in the case of Bengal, it was truer. At one stage the religion movement became stronger when it was associated with religion. In the context of which Pakistan was established with the sacrifice and support of the people of Bengal. But the continued absence of democracy and constitutional rule in Pakistan complicates the situation. The people of Bengal joined the movement under the leadership of Bangabandhu to change the situation. Forced to do so, the Pakistani authorities held the first general election in 1970. In the election, the popular political party of Bengalis, Awami League, won a single majority. Even after the Awami League gained a single majority, the Pakistani authorities did not hand over-power. As a result, Bangabandhu declared the independence of Bangladesh. Bangladesh gained independence after a long nine-month war. At the end of the war, Bangabandhu took over the responsibility of the head of state and devoted himself to the formation of the country. In the present article, Bangabandhus various steps in the formation of war-torn Bangladesh have been explored.

INTRODUCTION

Only the traces of oppression and exploitation can be remarked in the historical analysis of successive events of Bangladesh liberation movement. Bangladesh once a poor country in sense of economy, administration and power had to walk a long hostile road to come out of the long-lasting bacon of oppression. After the partition of 1947 east Bengal turned into East Pakistan as a state of newly bore Pakistan. But being recently freed from colonialism Pakistani ruler could not come out from their imperialistic mindset. Consequently, freedom of Pakistan from British rule just turned East Pakistan into a new colony of West Pakistan. Bengali nation was formed as an ethnic group in the subcontinent through a historical evolution of thousands of years before the state Bangladesh formed. Bengali nation was a unique national entity in a sense of the own language, culture, religious festive, life style, hospitality, secularism and heartiness. To create a new blend of nationalism des-troying the Bengali ethnicity was the fundamental motive of the Pakistani ruling class. To achieve their objective systematically they interfered in peoples language, religious harmony, economy and political rights of this region. Thats why the leader of the Bengali nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Safar 1970; Moudud, 1990) opposed the proposal of renaming East Bengal to East Pakistan. On 25th August 1955 while speaking in a national assembly. Banga-bandhu said “The word Bengal has a tradition of its own.” His robust contribution was cited in every sce-nery of our Liberation movement. The people of East Pakistan fought for 23 years to achieve their demand from Pakistani ruling class through different form of movement and negotiation, but failed. Finding no solution, the people of East Pakistan started to prepare for the armed movement responding to the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through his historical speech on 7th March, 1971 (Rahman, 1995; Politics Newsweek, 5 April, 1971). On 26th March, 1971 through the declaration of independence the Bengali people jumped into direct war against the west Pakistani ruling class. After a 9-month long liberation war the people of East Pakistan clinched their much-awaited victory from West Pakistan. On 16th December, 1971 through the surrender of Pakistani military forces a new in-dependent country named “Bangladesh” was born in the global map of history. But the people of this country had to pay a high price for their independence. The liberation war was conducted under the direction of Mujibnagar Sarker - an expatriate government that was formed by Tajuddin Ahmed on 10th April, 1971 (Rashid, Dr. Harun-or, 2001). Bangabandhu was de-tained by the Pakistani military forces on 25th March, 1971; just after the declaration of Independence (Mani-ruzzaman, Talukder, 1975). After a nine-month long detention in Pakistan jail Bangabandhu returned home through London and Delhi on 10th January 1972 as the president of Mujibnagar Government. As the first president of Independent Bangladesh Bangabandhu initiated parliamentary system of government through an interim constitutional decree. To form a parlia-mentary government Bangabandhu took his oath as the first President of the country from chief justice Abu Sayeed on 12th January and took charge as the prime minister of the country resigning his Presidency. Through this event the journey of Awami League started under the leadership of Bangabandhu which ended on 15th August, 1975 through a tragic event of killing Bangabandhu along with all of his family members. The tenure of Bangabandhu government lasted only for 3 years and 7 months; a very small period of time to plan for the formation of a war-torn country (Bhatanagar, Yatinda, 1971). Though such a short period of governance is not enough to build a Bangladesh Bangabandhu dreamt of, but the experts still think the initiatives and actions of Bangabandhu government are still considered to be a guiding road-map to the formation of a developed state. To evaluate the future-oriented steps of Bangabandhu government in the trans-formation of War-torn Bangladesh is the main objective of this study (Maniruzzaman, Talukder, 1982).

Research gap

None of the published books and articles on Banga-bandhus contribution to the formation of war-torn Bangladesh found a place for research and analysis. In other words, in most of the published books and articles on the formation of Bangladesh, some issues have been discussed sporadically from a general point of view. Therefore, we have written this article realizing the need to study the role of Bangabandhu in the formation of war-torn Bangladesh.

Research methods and data collection

Basically, we collected data from both primary and secondary sources. We have studied newspapers, perio-dicals, published books, research articles. Information has also been collected from various political programs broadcast on Bangladesh Radio, BTV and BBC. We have collected information by participating in various political meetings and conferences. To gather infor-mation on Bangabandhus role in building a war-torn Bangladesh, we interviewed politicians from different parties and some important ministers in Bangabandhus cabinet. In addition, we have studied the necessary official documents from the National Museum of Bangladesh.

Post war situation of the country

Prior to Independence this region of Bengal had a long history of deprivation and oppression. During the colo-nial period the development activities were mostly performed centering the region West Bengal; the pre-sent Kolkata. In 1905 during Bango Vango (Bengal partition) although the eastern part of Bengal had started to see some mentionable initiative of develop-ment but was halted under the incessant protest from part of the West Bengals political leaders. Conseq-uently, the flow of development of this region came to a halt in 1911 through the event of Bangovango Rod (dismissal of Bengal partition). But unfortunately, this small portion of infra-structural development of this region attained through a long period of time came into havoc after the 9 months long Liberation war of 1971 (Jones, 1972). Bangabandhu undertook the response-bility of forming a newly born country when it was nothing more than a land of disaster and havoc devas-tated by the Pakistani military forces. Neither had it had any administrative structure nor any form of economic potential at that time. The Pakistani forces burned out the villages of this region indiscriminately. They also burned out the localities alongside the road, culverts, bridge, rail, and waterways. The educational Institu-tions of the country, Trade and Commerce industry everything was closed at that moment. The power of police and security forces necessary for the law-and-order situation of a country was very limited in the country.  Transportation and communication system was broken down due to the devastating condition of the bridge, road and culverts. National monetary fund was almost empty due to the closure of the banks. The Pakistani military forces also ran their devastation on the government warehouses of food grain, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and medicine; which intensified the food crisis in this region prevailing in the war period (Manzur, 1979). Pakistani military forces burnt about 43 lac houses, 3000 office buildings, 18000 primary schools, 6000 High Schools, 900 college buildings, and 19000 villages Bazaar in the country, which completely ruin the educational activities and normal lifestyle of people of this country. They also destroyed the electric power stations across the country.  There was no stock of electric cable and pole in the warehouses when Bangabandhu took power. Shortage of well-skilled labor prevailed in the banking sector; since 60% of the bank workers were non-Bengali. Acute shortage of skilled workers in every sector like post, rail and industry created a new obstacle in the formation of the war-torn country since most of the workers were from West Pakistan (Hassan, 1994). More over skill profess-sionals like doctors, engineers, agriculturist necessary for the reformation of a country were not available. Besides, the nonexistence of constitution and law, noncooperation from part of the foreign countries through this war-torn country into the ocean of uncertainty. Henry Kissinger the then US secretary to state termed Bangladesh as a bottomless basket. Mr. Kissinger hurleda implied challenge regarding the success ability of reformation of the country saying “Lets see where Mr. Mujib takes you in the name of socialism.” Doubting the development potential of this country renowned economist Jast Fay land and Parkin-son in their writings “Bangladesh: The Test Case of Development”- predicted that the situation of this country will be terribly bad. According to their opinion if Bangladesh can succeed in their economic deve-lopment, then any country of the world can do this (Bhatanagar, 1971).

Bangabandhu in the formation of War-torn Bangladesh

Bangabandhu was a man of optimism and wise per-sonality. He was committed to present the nation a country free of hunger, oppression, discrimination and a country of equity and secularism. He wanted to build a country where the rule of justice, fundamental human rights, and political, economic and social justice will be ensured for each of the citizen (Salik, Siddiq, 1978). On 26th March 1972, in the occasion of countrys 1st In-dependence Day celebration Bangabandhu in a television speech said “My government believes in internal social revolution. Its not merely an undemo-cratic goal. My government and party are committed to establish scientific socialist economy in the country. The older social system needs to be uprooted to compose a foundation of a new system. We will form an exploitation free society” (Rahman, 2005). Banga-bandhus government was very much conscious re-garding their duty while undertaking the power. It was very much clear to Bangabandhu which work to be conducted on priority basis to reform a war-torn country in the earliest time. His long cherished political experience like 21 points claim in 1954, historical 6-point movement, 11-point electoral manifesto of 70s general election etc. guided him to be an effective policymaker in administration (Mamoon et al., 2019).

Bangabandhus Governance and Constitution Formulation:

On 12th January, 1972 Bangabandhu takes power as the prime minister of the country and formed a 12-member cabinet. In the first cabinet meeting of Bangabandhu some important fundamental decisions were taken like:

1) National flag of “Bangladesh was modified and finalized.

2) Tagores song “Aamar Sonar Bangla Aami Tomai valobashi” – were determined as the nationnal anthem of the country.

3) Nazrul Islams “Chol Chol Chol, Urdho Gogone Baaje Madol” was selected as the national war song of the country (Huq, Obaidul, 1996).    

The constitution of independent Bangladesh was a true reflection of Bangabandhus philosophy of develop-ment and politics which were formulated just within 10 months of Bangabandhus home coming day (Mani-ruzzaman, 1975). In section 2 of 1972s constitution it is said that “Nationalism, socialism, democracy and secularism will be the fundamental principles of our constitution.” The reality of desired Bangladesh that Bangabandhu cited in his 7th March speech was truly reflected in 72s constitution. Bangabandhu in his speech said “we want human rights in our country, we want freedom, independence, discrimination free society, we want eradication of sectarianism and justice for humanity (Rashid, 1910; Broomfield, 1968; Low, 1965; Mclane, R. John, 1965; Ghosha, et al., 1930). 

Some important sections of Bangabandhus 1972s constitution that reflected the dream of a golden Bangla has been mentioned here:

1) All power in the republic belong to the people of and their exercise on behalf of the people shall be affected only under and by the authority of this constitution (7.1)

2) Food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care include the provision of the basic necessities of life (15.a)

3) The right to work that is the right to guaranteed employment at a reasonable wage having regard to the quantity and quality of work (15.b)

4) The right to social securities (15-d)

5) Equality opportunity should be available to all citizen and remove social and economic inequa-lity between man and woman (19-1,2)

6) Establishing a uniform mass oriented and uni-versal education system and removing illiteracy within such time as may be determined by law (17-a, c)

7) To bring about a radical transformation in the rural areas through the promotion of an agri-cultural revolution (16)

8) All citizens are equal before law and entitled to equal protection of law.

9) Woman shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the state and of public life (28-2) 

10) The state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of   birth (28-1)

11) Every person in the service of the republic has a duty to strive at all times to serve the people (21-2). 

The constitution of 1972 proves that Bangabandhu drew a progressive master plan of economic society and secular state to reform the war-torn Bangladesh (Melane, 1972; Mujeeb, 1967).

Bangabandhus Rehabilitation Program 

Bangabandhu governments new journey of refor-mation of independent Bangladesh started with a big responsibility of rehabilitating about 1 crore asylum seeker and rebuilding 43 lac houses devastated in the war (Rahman, Dr. Md. Mahbubar, 2005). Despite get-ting abundant amount of relief from foreign countries Bangabandhu s government had to restructure Red Cross Society from national to root level since govern-ments administrative infrastructure was almost collapsed. Moreover, different 5 and 10-member com-mittees were formed based on the size and population of the villages to properly distribute the reliefs (Islam et al., 1991 & Ahmed, 1994). Thus, the relief was distri-buted across the country through the union, Police station and district level committees. In a newspaper published on 4th March, 1973 it is claimed that the government had rebuilt 9 lac houses and spent 72 crore and 70 lac Takas in overall rehabilitation program in the country (Rashid, 2001 & Sobhan, Rehman, 1979).

Bangabandhus Nationalizing Program in The Eco-nomic Development

In the first anniversary of independence Bangabandhu nationalized the countrys jute, cloth, bank and insu-rance industries by law. Moreover, Bangabandhu for feited 85 percent of Pakistanis owned industries and occupied those assets as government property (Faaland et al., 1977 & Muhit, Abul Mal Abdul, 1996). Under the act of nationalization government brought 67 jute mills, 64 cotton mills and 15 sugar mills under state property. Thus, foreign business worth about taka15 crore were nationalized at that time (Rahman et al., 2012; Sultana and Amin, 2020).

Bangabandhus Agricultural Reformation

In post war Bangladesh almost 85 percent of its popu-lation was dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. More than half of the total national income was agriculture dependent. Bangabandhu called on a green revolution forwarding the slogan “Krishak bachle desh bachbe (The country will survive if the farmers sur-vive)”. Government rehabilitated approximate 12 lac family of farmers skillfully. Bangabandhus mention-able initiatives in the field of agriculture are as follows:

1) Besides allocating money for building houses Bangabandhu distributed agricultural equipment and machineries, pesticides and fertilizer at almost free of cost.

2) Bangabandhu waived all the outstanding of land tax and withdrew land tax up to 15 big has of land size.

3) He determined land ownership ceiling of maximum 100 big has per family.

4) By the end of 1972 Bangabandhu arranged to set up 40000 low lift pump, 2900 deep tube well and 3000 tube well across the country (Bangabandhus Speech, 26 March 1971 & Rashid, Dr. Harun-or., 1988, 2001)

5) Bangabandhu also set up prices for paddy, jute, tobacco and sugarcane and other necessary agri-cultural products to ensure fair prices of such pro-ducts.

6) Bangabandhu succeeded to start the Ganga-Kopo-takkho Irrigation Project at full fledge within august, 1973.

7) Bangabandhu sent scientist Abbas to delhi on 21st September, 1972 to discuss about Farakka barrage and managed to bring promise of 54 thousand quesec liter of water in the river Padma in dry sea-son (Hasan, Mababub, 1988).

Bangabandhus Educational Reformation

Bangabandhu gave his special focus in the expansion and promotion of education to develop human reso-urces in the war-torn country. Within 6 months of his takeover Bangabandhu appointed “Bangladesh Edu-cation Commission” on 26th July, 1972 under the lea-dership of distinguish scientist Dr. Kudrat E Khoda. Bangabandhus undertook some appreciable initiatives in the educational reformation long before the sub-mission of commissions report, like –

1) Waiving all dues of the students for the period of March, 1971 to December, 1971.

2) Paid war time due salary of 9 months for all teachers.

Distributed Books at free for the learners of up to class five and declared free learning in the schools for the students of up to class eight (Government Proceeding, 14 January,1972).

1) Bangabandhu nationalized all the primary edu-cational institution, consequently, jobs of all 1 lac 65 thousand primary teachers turned into public services. 

2) Bangabandhu rebuilt 900 college building and 400 high school building destroyed in war time.

3) Another important initiative of Bangabandhu was that he gave Autonomy to all the public uni-versities through establishing Public University Act 1973 in Parliament (Rahman, 2016).

Bangabandhus Economic Reformation

Bangabandhu inherited a country which had no eco-nomic potential. To mobilize the economy of the war torn Bangladesh Bangabandhu initiated some revo-lutionary steps (Islam, 2011).  At the very beginning Bangabandhu nationalized all the prime industries, like Banking, insurance and 80% of total foreign trade. Bangabandhu formed a planning commission and implemented 1st 5 yearly economic plan started from 1st July, 1973. In the first five yearly plans besides countrys reformation topics like economic indiscrimination, people friendly, progressive and developed Bangladesh were the key focus points (Constitution of Bangladesh, 16 December, 1972). Some Important direction of the first five yearly plans has been mentioned here: The first objective of planning would be reducing un-employment to the country. 

In this purpose work opportunity and equity-based distribution would be ensured through regulating effe-ctive policy regarding commodity price (Mamoon et al., 2011; Imam, 2013).

1) Ensure reformation and increase productivity in every sector of the economy, especially the agri-culture and industry sector.

2) To increase the economic growth rate to 5.5 % from 3%.

3) To increase productivity of all necessary com-modity and keep the price affordable and stable for the poor class population of the country.

4) Setting resource distribution policy along with redistributable economic policy related strategy in such a way so that the income growth rate of the poor class people surpasses that of the overall population.

5) Reducing the dependency on foreign aid from 62% to 27% within the year 1971 – 1978 (Huq, Obaidul, 1973).

6) Ensure the institutional and technological trans-formation of agriculture and achieve self-suffi-ciency in food production.

Increase human productivity and capability through increased allotment in different human resource deve-lopment index like education, health, rural housing, water and sanitation etc (Qudrat-E-Khuda Education Commission, 1973). But this is very much unfortunate for the nation that at the end of 2nd years of imple-mentation of this five yearly plan Bangabandhu along with his all-family members were brutally assassinated by a group of international conspirators on 15th august, 1975 (Khaleduzzaman, 2020). While commenting on the comparative analysis of our countrys economic scenario if Bangabandhu were alive Professor Abul Barakat said “The socio-economic class structure of Bangabandhu-less Bangladesh is - 2.7% people that is 44 lac people are in the rich class and 1% are highly rich, 31.3% are middle class (5 crore 1 lac) and 65.9% people are multilevel poor – who are about 10 crore and 55 lacs in number (Mamoon et al., 2013). The poor and rich discrimination is very much apparent in the Bangabandhu less Bangladesh. But if Bangabandhu were alive and his development philosophy were imple-mented then the socio-economic class structure of todays Bangladesh would have been like – the popu-lation of rich class would be reduced to 0.07% from exiting 2.7%, the size of multilevel poor class would be reduced to 0.7% from existing 65.9%. On the contrary the size of middle-class population would be reduced to 99.3% from existing 31.3% (Barakat, 2020). 

To boost up the economy of the war-torn Bangladesh Bangabandhu initiated the following steps:

1) Bangabandhu formulated the first five yearly economic plan and set target of reducing foreign aid dependency from 62% to 27% within 1977-78 fiscal year.

2) Bangabandhu formed four economically impor-tant corporation like Bangladesh Jute Corpo-ration, Bangladesh Sugar corporation, Bangla-desh Textile Corporation and Bangladesh Gas and Oil Corporation (Mamoon et al., 2013).

3) Bangabandhu established Bangladesh Industrial credit institution and Bangladesh Bank and open 1050 new branches of different banks across the country.

4) He instituted Bangladesh Krishi Bank and esta-blished 355 branches of this bank.

5) Bangabandhu introduced new currency for the independent Bangladesh.

6) Bangabandhu gave special importance in inte-grated Rural Development Programs (IRPD) with a view to rural development and established aca-demy for rural development in Bogura.

7) Moreover, Bangabandhu started the primary stage of Ghorashal Fertilizer, Ashugonj complex and established many other new industries and reopened many closed industries to take forward the country toward a robust and growing eco-nomy (Huq, 1996).

Communication and Transportation 

The road and rail communication system of the country were completely destroyed during the liberation war period. About 274 small and large bridges, 300 Rail Bridge were destroyed in the war. Hundreds of buses of public and private transport were also destroyed in the war Bangabandhu reconstructed almost all the bridges and culverts destroyed in the war within the year 1974 and he also constructed 97 new rail bridges across the country. He also reopened the destroyed rail bridges. The plan of building bridge over the river Jamuna was a revolutionary effort of Bangabandhu. In this regard he formed a commission, who submitted the Jamuna Bridge feasibility study report on 4th November, 1974. Air Flight in the domestic route like Dhaka –Chitta-gong, Dhaka Sylhet, Dhaka – Jeshore, Dhaka- Cumilla were introduced during his period. 

The Construction work of Kurmitola International Airport (present Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport) was started during his period (Bangladesh Private Aviation and Development Authority Report, 2019). Bangladesh Shipping Corporation was also formed by the order of Bangabandhu which added 14 ocean going ship within December, 1974.

Electricity Generation

To develop the infrastructure of electric power supply Bangabandhu imported 5000 electric pole and set up 15 km length of electric line within December 1972. He also increased the electricity generation capacity from 200 megawatt to 500 megawatt. A master plan of ex-panding the Polli Bidyut program was also prepared during his period. Bangabandhus government also managed to active 55000 telephone line within Decem-ber 1974. Moreover, he also set up geo-satellite in Chittagong hill tract (Bangladesh Private Aviation and Development Authority Report, 2019).

Measures in Women Welfare

Bangabandhu established women rehabilitation board in 1972 for the welfare of poor women and created women rehabilitation welfare foundation in 1974 expanding the welfare board activities. He also mana-ged 10% quota for women in the job sector (Mamoon et al., 2019).

Bangabandhus Initiative in Defense Sector

Despite the financial limitation of the government Bangabandhus effort in strengthening the defense system of the country was praise worthy. He ordered a decree to form BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) on 6th March, 1972. In another ordinance he ordered to form padatic force (Bangladesh Army), Navy and Air force on 8th April, 1972. On 11 March 1974 Bangabandhu esta-blished the first Military Academy in Cumilla (Mamun, 1996), Bangabandhu collected small and heavy arms for military force from then Yugoslavia. He also imported mig-aircraft, helicopter and cargo airbus from Soviet Union and purchased helicopter for Air force from UK (Khan, 2009). 

He also collected military tank from Egypt. Banga-bandhu sent the military officers abroad for developed training. Moreover, he formed a paramilitary force to keep the countrys internal law and order situations under control (Chouddury et al., 1998).

Contribution in health care

To ensure healthcare as a basic human rights Banga-bandhu initiated the establishment of health care center at thana (Police Station) level and sequentially esta-blished 31 bed hospital at 365 thanas (Police Station), established new medical college and post graduate medical institute around the country (Sen, 1985).

Bangabandhus Foreign Policy

To recover from the war-torn condition with logical reason Bangabandhu governments foreign policy was basically a foreign economic policy. The source of financial help was very limited in the after-war period of 1972 – 1975. Mr. Abdus Samad and Dr. Kamal Hossain acted as the foreign minister of the country. But Bangabandhu was the main determinant and decision maker in foreign policy related issues. On 15th January, 1972 Bangabandhu said “Friendship with all, enmity with none” that means a non-alliance policy was the fundamental principle of Bangabandhus foreign policy. The future direction of Bangabandhus foreign policies was very much clear in his words- “We want to build Bangladesh as the Switzerland of South Asia” (18). Bangabandhus historical speech delivered in Bangla in UNs general assembly on 25th September in 1974 indicated the fundamental characteristics of Bangabandhus foreign policy (Abdul, 1987). Some mentionable achievement of Bangabandhus foreign policy has been mentioned as follows:

1) Bangabandhu sent the Indian Military Force successfully back to their land just within 35 days of his power. 

2) USA recognized Bangladesh as an independent country on 4th April, 1972 just because of Banga-bandhus diplomatic initiatives.

3) Bangabandhu government got membership of International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 10th May, 1972.

4) Bangladesh Achieved UN membership on 17th September, 1974.

5) Bangabandhus diplomatic intelligence enabled Bangabandhu to achieve membership of 14 inter-national organization including commonwealth and OIC (Ahmed, 1984).

CONCLUSION

After the nine months long liberation war Bangladesh was reduced into rubble. The Pakistani invaders des-troyed almost all the communication systems and seaports of the country. They destroyed schools, col-leges, universities, factories, houses, food ware-houses and markets. The countrys economy was in complete disarray. Foreign exchange reserves and food stocks were destroyed. After the war, a prolonged drought and a devastating cyclone pushed the country towards a famine. As a result, armed robbery, looting and snat-ching took place across the country. The law-and-order situation in the country was dire. Bangabandhus go-vernment was working hard to recover the country gripped with so many hurdles and challenges. But some leftist pro-China secret organizations started promoting Bangladeshs liberation war as an unfinished revolution and Mujibs government as an illegitimate government imposed by Russia and India. Some of them denied the countrys independence. They attacked about 3,000 political activists, including four members of the ruling party. They launched an undeclared war against the government. The government-backed National Socialist Party makes the countrys political situation fragile. The party attracted a large number of students under the banner of scientific socialism. As a result, many mili-tant organizations joined the party. Soon the political situation in the country became unstable. But the anti-liberation forces of the country and foreign forces engaged in various conspiracies against the new state and the Mujib government but failed to prevent the rise of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu government remained in power for only three and a half years and was able to achieve significant success in building the war-torn Bangladesh. His initiatives in rebuilding communi-cations, rehabilitation, repatriating Indian troops, draf-ting constitution, establishing parliamentary system, holding national elections, forming a defense force, banning all communal politics, ending the terrible famine, improving education and establishing good relations with different countries were very significant. So, at the end of the above discussion, it is clear that Bangabandhus role in the formation of war-torn Bangladesh was undeniable and admirable. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank Mr. Md. Shaon Akter for valuable comments, suggestions and help in the present research.


CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declared there are no conflicts of interest to publish it.

Article References:

  1. Abdul Alim, (1987). Bangabandhus State Thought and Development Thought, Dhaka, Books Service, pp. 29-33.
  2. Ahmed, Emajuddin, (1984). Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: A Small States Imperative, Dhaka, Somai Prokisoni, pp.81-92.
  3. Ahmed. Moudud, (1990). Era of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Dhaka: University Press Limited. pp. 31-79.
  4. Ahmed, Moudud, (1994), Bangladesh: Sheikh Mujibur Rahmanr Shasonamol, Dhaka, Somoi Prokashani, pp. 37-39.
  5. Ali, Dr. Aziz (1982). Bangabandhus Agricultural Reforms, 1972-75, Dhaka, Aligar, pp.140-167.
  6. Bangabandhus Bangladesh Television Speech, 26 March 1972; Rashid, Dr. Harun-or-(1988), ‘The Muslim League in East Bengal: The 1954 Elections and after, Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Humanities), 33(1), pp. 130-140.
  7. Barakat, Abul, (2020). ‘Bangabandhus Philo-sophy: Theory, Application and Elimination of Possibilities, Development of Rajshahi: Pro-blems and Prospects of the Regional Seminar on the Seminar, Rajshahi, RUET Auditorium, pp. 31-32.
  8. Bhatanagar, Yatinda. (1971).Mujib the Architect of Bangladesh: A Political Biography, Delhi: Indian school supply Department, p.89. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2615087 
  9. Broomfield, J.H.(1968), ‘The Forgotten Majority: The Bengla Muslim and September 1918; Low, D.A. ed., (1965),  Soundings in Modern South Asian History, London, p.203
  10. Faaland, Just and Parkinson, J. R. (1977). Bangladesh: The Test Case of Development, New Delhi, S. Chand & Company Ltd., p.197.
  11. Ghosha, Nityapriy & Mukhopadhyay, Ashoke Kumar (1930), Partition Bengal 1905-1911 AD, Delhi, Shishu Sahitya Samsad Pvt. Ltd., pp.95-99.
  12. H.T. (2013). Bangladesh Sarker, 1972-75, Dhaka, Somai Prokisoni.pp.70-93.
  13. Hasan, Mababub, (1988). “Politics in Bangla-desh”, Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangla-desh (Humanities), 33(1), pp.130-140.
  14. Hassan, Zahir, (1994). The Separation of East Pakistan, Karachi: Oxford University Press, 76. https://www.amazon.com/Separation-East-Pakistan-Realization-Nationalism/dp/0195774922 
  15. Huq, Obaidul, (1973). Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib: A Leader with A Difference, Dhaka, 2nd edition, pp.134-155.
  16. Huq, Obaidul, (1996). Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib: A Leader with A Difference, Dhaka: Asi-atic Society, pp 99-103. https://www.worldcat.org/title/bangabandhu-sheikh-mujib-a-leader-with-a-difference/oclc/34789863 
  17. Islam, Major Rafiqul, (1991). Genocide in Bang-ladesh: Harrowing Accounts of Some Eye-Wit-ness and the Extracts from the Press, Dhaka, Upoma Prokashani, pp.130-141.
  18. Islam, Shirajul, (2011). Banglapedia, 13, Dhaka, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, pp.170-171.
  19. Khaleduzzaman, Md. (2020). ‘Qudrat-E-Khuda Education Commission and Its Uses in Bangla-desh, IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education (IOSR-JRME), 10(4), pp 27-36. https://doi.org/10.9790/7388-1004072736  
  20. Khan, Shamsuzzaman, (2009). Bangabandhus State Thought and Present Bangladesh, Dhaka, Vijay Prakashani, pp.11-13.
  21. Mamoon, Muntassir & Rahman, Md. Mahbubar, (2019). History of the Emergence of Independent Bangladesh, Dhaka: Suborno, p.253. 
  22. Mamun, Abdullah Al, (1996). Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur: Contribution to the service of Islam and Humanity, Dhaka: Shobha Publi-cations, p.39. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Mujibur_Rahman 
  23. Maniruzzaman, Talukder, (1975). ‘Bangladesh: An Unfinished Revolution, the Journal of Asian Studies, 34(4), p. 4. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2054506  
  24. Maniruzzaman, Talukder, (1982). Group In-terests and Political Changes: Studies of Pakistan and Bangladesh, New Delhi, p. 24. https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/571872 
  25. Maniruzzaman, Talukder, (1975). “Bangladesh: A Unfinished Revolution”, The Journal of Asian Studies, 34(4), pp.22-27.
  26. Manzur, Murshed, (1979). Mukti Bahini-Its Organization, Grouth and Development, The Rajshahi University Studies, 9(10), pp.89-99.
  27. Mclane, R. John, (1965). ‘The Decision to Partition Bengal in 1905,  The  Indian Economic & Social History Review, 2(3), pp.221-237. https://doi.org/10.1177/001946466400200302  
  28. Melane, J. R. (1972). Partition of Bangal 1905: A Political Analysis, Chowdhury, Shirajul Islam (ed.), History of Bangladesh, 1904-1971, 11, Dhaka: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, pp.172-177.
  29. Morris-Jones, W. H. (1972). “Pakistan Post-Mor-tem and the Roots of Bangladesh”, Political Quarterly, 18, pp.187-200.
  30. Muhit, Abul Mal Abdul, (1996). American Res-ponse to Bangladesh Liberation War, Dhaka, University Press.pp.40-51. https://www.amazon.com/Bangladesh-Test-Development-Just-Faaland/dp/0903983419 
  31. Mujeeb, M. (1967). The Indian Muslim,London, Oxford University Press, pp.29-34.
  32. Rahman, Dr. Md. Mahbubar, (2005). History of the Bangladesh, 1947-71, Dhaka: Somoy Prakas-han, pp. 243-247.
  33. Rahman, Dr. Md. Mahbubar, (2005). History of the Bangladesh, 1947-71, Dhaka, Somai Pro-kasiny, pp. 310-311.
  34. Rahman, Md. Mahbubur, (2016). Bangabandhur shasonamol, 1972-75, Dhaka, Bangladesh Awami League, pp. 257-258.
  35. Rahman, Sheikh Mujibur, (2012). Asomapto Aattajeboni, Dhaka, University Press Ltd., p.34.
  36. Rahman, Mofizur, (1995).  ‘Speeches at Dhaka Race Course and Gettysburg, The Financial Ex-press, Dhaka, p.9.
  37. Rashid, Dr. Harun-or, (1991). ‘The Dhaka Nawab Family in Bengal Politics, Sharif Uddin Ahmed (ed.), Dhaka: Past and Present Future, Dhaka, p.141.
  38. Rashid, Dr. Harun-or, (2001), Bangladesh: Poli-tics Governance and Constitutional Development 1757-2000, Dhaka: New Age, pp.192-295.
  39. Report published by Bangladesh Private Aviation and Development Authority (2019). A decade of development of Bangladesh 2009-2018,Institute of Conflict Law & Development Studies (ICL-DS), Dhaka, Ministry of Information, p.27.
  40. Safar A. Akand, (1970). ‘East Pakistan and Poli-tics of Regionalism, Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, University of Denver, Denver, USA. https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au1989.pdf  
  41. Salik, Siddiq, (1978). Witness to Surrender, Ox-ford: Oxford University Press, pp. 122-123,139-180. https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Surrender-Siddiq-Salik/dp/0195777611  
  42. Sen, Rangalal, (1985). Political Elites in Bangla-desh, Dhaka: Aligor, pp.13-19.
  43. Sobhan, Rehman, (1979). Politics, Food and Famine in Bangladesh, The Journal of Economic and Political Weekly, 2(4), pp.165-173. 
  44. Sultana J., and Amin MA. (2020). Historic 7th March Speech of Bangabandhu: Democracy and Civility in Leadership, Asian J. Soc. Sci. Leg. Stud., 2(2), 33-40. https://doi.org/10.34104/ajssls.020.033040 Government Proceeding Proceeding Bangladesh Government 14 January, 1972. Constitution of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh 16 December, 1972.NewspaperNewsweek, 5 April, 1971

Article Info:

Academic Editor

Dr. Sonjoy Bishwas, Executive, Universe Publishing Group (UniversePG), California, USA.

Received

October 18, 2021

Accepted

November 21, 2021

Published

December 1, 2021

Article DOI: 10.34104/ajssls.021.02370246

Corresponding author

Md. Rajaul Karim*
Senior Lecturer, Bangladesh Studies, Khwaja Yunus Ali University, Enayetpur, Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Cite this article

 Tawhid MH., and  Karim DMR. (2021). Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the formation of war-torn Bangladesh, Asian J. Soc. Sci. Leg. Stud., 3(6), 237-246. https://doi.org/10.34104/ajssls.021.02370246 

Views
384
Download
1282
Citations
Badge Img
Share