Why East Pakistan Became Bangladesh and West Pakistan Became Pakistan?
The partition of the subcontinent, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan upon British withdrawal, was a complex process that deeply impacted the region's political and social fabric. Among the many divisions that emerged, East Pakistan eventually became Bangladesh, while West Pakistan retained its name. This article explores the historical, socio-political, and economic factors that shaped this transformation.
Historical Context: The Division of Bengal
During the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, East Bengal (a part of British India) became East Pakistan, while West Bengal in India remained an independent state within India's borders. The division was not uniform—India was divided along religious lines, whereas Pakistan was formed as a single entity with two parts separated by a thousand miles of Indian territory.
The rationale behind the division was to maintain a dominion of genetically and culturally homogeneous areas under a single political entity. The British, who controlled the region, believed that a divided India would be weaker and more subdued, making it easier to maintain their colonial influence.
The Impact of Colonial Rule on East Bengal
Post-colonial rule, East Bengal (now Bangladesh) was an underdeveloped region, with key industries, financial institutions, and educational institutions concentrated in Calcutta. This imbalance in development and resource distribution significantly contributed to the roots of future conflict and dissatisfaction among the people of East Pakistan.
Language, culture, and identity were also major factors. While both regions shared a common religion (Islam), cultural differences were pronounced. East Pakistanis, despite being predominantly Muslim, had a minority of non-Muslims (particularly Hindus), and their cultural and linguistic differences from West Pakistan created a significant divide.
Political and Socio-Economic Inequality
East Pakistan, often treated as a resource extractive region by the West Pakistan-based government, faced significant political and socio-economic inequality. The West, driven by military and economic interests, imposed policies that disproportionately favored West Pakistan, leading to widespread discontent among the people of East Pakistan.
Local governance was challenging, with remote administration and corruption exacerbating the situation. The local military and police forces often acted with impunity, leading to a perception of injustice and marginalization. The political instability and economic struggles were further fueled by the culture of militarism that permeated West Pakistan.
The 1971 War and Independence of Bangladesh
The tipping point came in 1971, when East Pakistanis, driven by a desire for recognition and equality, declared independence and fought for sovereignty. This led to the fiery 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which saw India intervene and support the East Pakistanis. The conflict culminated in victory for East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in December 1971.
Indian military assistance proved crucial in the Liberation War, culminating in a decisive victory for East Pakistan. As a result, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, with its own government and identity.
Further Reading and Resources:
You can watch this documentary that provides a detailed account of the partition and the 1971 war, offering insights into the complexities of this historic transformation.