How the world reported Bangladesh’s independence in 1971

The New York Times: "East Pakistan pushes for autonomy amidst political turmoil"

Before the war erupted, the world was already paying close attention to the growing unrest in East Pakistan. The 1970 general elections had set the stage for a political showdown—Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won by a landslide, but West Pakistan refused to hand over power. The tension was palpable, and international newspapers started covering the deepening crisis.

Then came 7 March 1971. In front of a sea of people at the Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan), Sheikh Mujib gave a speech that would go down in history. Foreign media, including The New York Times, closely followed the developments. One of its headlines, "East Pakistan pushes for autonomy amidst political turmoil," captured the world's growing concern. 

As the days passed, it became clear—this wasn't just a political standoff anymore. The world was watching to see if negotiations could prevent a full-scale war.

The Bangkok Post: "Pak nears civil war"

On 26 March 1971, the Bangkok Post ran a striking headline: "Pak Near Civil War" with the subheading "East Declares Independence." 

The report captured the escalating crisis as tensions between East and West Pakistan reached a breaking point. With military action unfolding and resistance growing, the article highlighted how the situation had spiralled into an all-out conflict, pushing Pakistan to the brink of civil war.

The Times (London): "East Pakistan leader declares independence"

Amidst the bloodshed, on 26 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani military and attempted to suppress the news, the message got out, thanks to radio broadcasts and reports smuggled out of Dhaka.

More than 90 newspapers worldwide reported on Bangladesh's independence declaration. The Times (London) ran the headline "East Pakistan Leader Declares Independence," marking the birth of a new nation. Many Western countries, however, hesitated to officially recognise Bangladesh, fearing diplomatic repercussions from Pakistan and its ally, the United States.

The following day, Major Ziaur Rahman officially declared independence from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Kalurghat, Chattogram.

The Sydney Morning Herald: "10,000 – 100,000 were killed"

The situation took a horrific turn on the night of 25 March 1971, when the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal military crackdown on Dhaka and other major cities. 

The world was initially in the dark about the extent of the atrocities, but foreign journalists in Dhaka, including Anthony Mascarenhas, smuggled reports out, revealing the scale of the genocide.

On 29 March 1971, The Sydney Morning Herald ran a shocking report with the headline "10,000 – 100,000 Were Killed," bringing global attention to the massacre. The number was staggering, and while exact figures were hard to verify, these reports solidified international condemnation of the Pakistani military's actions.

The Washington Post: "Millions flee violence in East Pakistan"

As the international response to the refugee crisis mounted, international relief organisations and governments began responding to the situation, albeit with hesitation.

The Washington Post covered the crisis extensively, with headlines like "Millions Flee Violence in East Pakistan." Diplomatic pressure on Pakistan increased.

The Los Angeles Times: "Global outcry over East Pakistan atrocities"

By mid-1971, international pressure on Pakistan was mounting. Reports of mass killings, systematic rapes, and village burnings were widely documented. The Los Angeles Times ran the headline "Global Outcry Over East Pakistan Atrocities," highlighting the growing international condemnation.

Protests erupted worldwide, with people in the UK, the US, and India rallying for Bangladesh's cause. Intellectuals, musicians, and activists, including George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, organised events like the "Concert for Bangladesh" to raise awareness and funds for the refugees.

BBC World Service: "Fierce battles rage in East Pakistan"

BBC World Service played a crucial role in keeping the world informed. The Pakistani government had imposed strict censorship on local media, but foreign correspondents and radio broadcasts provided real-time updates.

Throughout the war, BBC reported on battles between Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters) and Pakistani forces. Headlines like "Fierce Battles Rage in East Pakistan" kept the global audience engaged, with many beginning to recognise Bangladesh's fight as a legitimate liberation movement.