The chaotic dawn of independence: Bangladesh's turbulent birth on 26 March 1971

The early hours of 26 March 1971 marked a watershed moment in Bangladesh's history. It was a day of both declaration and devastation, as the region proclaimed independence amid a brutal crackdown by Pakistani forces. 

This was the beginning of the Bangladesh Liberation War, a struggle that would last nine months and result in the birth of a new nation. This feature article delves into the harrowing events of that day, exploring the declarations, massacres, resistance efforts, and the broader implications of the war.

Background and context

The seeds of Bangladesh's independence were sown in the political tensions between East and West Pakistan. The Awami League, under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had won a decisive victory in the 1970 elections. 

However, the Pakistani government, led by President Yahya Khan, postponed the National Assembly's session delaying the peaceful transition of power and exacerbating tensions. The final blow came on 25 March 1971, when the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a ruthless campaign to suppress Bengali nationalism, which directly triggered the Bangladesh genocide and the liberation war.

Dhaka: Eye of the storm

As the capital, Dhaka bore the brunt of Operation Searchlight. At precisely 0110 hours on 26 March, Pakistani troops imposed a curfew, cut off all communications, and arrested Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his residence in Dhanmondi. Earlier that night, Mujib had supposedly sent a telegram declaring Bangladesh's independence.

The military's actions in Dhaka were swift and brutal. The military stormed student dormitories, particularly targeting Jagannath Hall and Iqbal Hall, killing over 100 students and 10 professors. Among the victims was renowned philosopher G C Dev, while Professor Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta succumbed to his injuries days later.

The Central Shaheed Minar, a symbol of Bengali linguistic identity, was destroyed. The offices of the Daily Ittefaq, a pro-independence newspaper, were set ablaze, and the Ramna Kali temple, a Hindu religious site, was demolished.

The brutality wasn't confined to the university. At Peelkhana, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) soldiers who had already shown their allegiance to the Bengali cause, put up a valiant but ultimately futile resistance against the heavily armed Pakistani forces. 

Similarly, at Rajarbagh Police Lines, the police offered fierce resistance, their crackling radio communications broadcasting desperate pleas for help before they were overwhelmed.

The 10th East Bengal Regiment (EBR) was disarmed. Reports estimate that between 7,000 and 35,000 people were killed in Dhaka in the first phase of the crackdown.

By dawn, Dhaka was under military control, with house-to-house searches in areas like Dhanmondi and Hindu-majority neighbourhoods. The Hamoodur Rahman Commission later estimated at least 26,000 deaths in Dhaka during the initial phase, though Bangladesh claims up to 3,000,000 casualties nationwide by the war's end.

Chattogram: The voice of independence

Chattogram (then Chittagong) played a crucial role in the early hours, becoming the birthplace of Bangladesh's formal declaration of independence. On March 25, Pakistani troops secured the cantonment, port, and airport by 9:00 PM, disarming East Bengal Regiment Centre (EBRC) units and the 8th EBR. 

However, Bengali EPR launched a preemptive strike, imprisoning 300 Pakistani EPR members, and clashes ensued, with the 20th Baluch attacking EBRC and killing Lt. Col. M.R. Choudhury.

The pivotal moment came on March 27, 1971, when Major Ziaur Rahman, a defecting officer, broadcasted from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra radio station in Kalurghat. On behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he declared: 

"This is Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. I, Major Ziaur Rahman, on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare that the independent People's Republic of Bangladesh has been established. I call upon all Bengalis to rise against the attack by the West Pakistani Army. We shall fight to the last to free our motherland. By the grace of Allah, victory is ours."

Drafted by Abul Kashem Khan, this broadcast, made around 2:30 PM on 27 March, was crucial in informing the world and galvanising the Bengali resistance. It followed Rahman's earlier efforts to secure the station, amidst delays in 53rd Brigade reinforcements due to ambushes near Kumira, resulting in 10 Pakistani casualties.

This declaration, though later debated regarding its exact wording and timing relative to Sheikh Mujib's initial message, served as a crucial catalyst, galvanizing the resistance movement.

Other cities: Resistance and repression

Beyond Dhaka and Chattogram, the conflict spread rapidly across Bangladesh, with cities experiencing varying degrees of military action and rebellion:

Comilla: Pakistani forces executed Bengali troops in the cantonment and wiped out local police resistance. Nearly 1,000 Bengalis were killed by March 30.

Sylhet: Initially taken without resistance, Bengali EPR forces regrouped and launched attacks by March 27.

Jessore: Pakistani troops entered on March 25, with major clashes erupting on March 30 when Bengali forces, including 1 EBR, revolted.

Khulna: Sporadic clashes occurred between Bengali EPR forces and the Pakistani army. The city was under firm military control by March 28.

Rajshahi: Pakistani forces attacked police headquarters on March 27, but Bengali EPR units in nearby towns fought back.

Kushtia: EPR units revolted early on March 26, raising the Bangladesh flag by 2:30 PM.

The events of 26 March 1971 marked the beginning of a nine-month war that would culminate in Bangladesh's victory on 16 December 1971. While Dhaka's streets ran red with blood, Chattogram's radio waves carried the message of independence.

Dhaka's streets ran with blood, but Chattogram's radio waves carried the voice of freedom. Across Bangladesh, ordinary citizens, soldiers, and resistance fighters united to defy an oppressive regime, laying the foundation for a new nation.

Today, 26 March is celebrated as Bangladesh's Independence Day, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the resilience of a people who fought against overwhelming odds to forge their own destiny.