#history
#memory
Bangladesh Independence Day.
26 March is the Independence Day of Bangladesh.The country declared independence from Pakistan on 26 March 1971.
In the 1970 general election in Pakistan, the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rehman obtained a clear majority in East Pakistan. But Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto conspired with General Yahya Khan and refused to hand over power.
Bengali officials and Army officers were relentlessly persecuted. Thousands of homes were destroyed and women raped. Millions of refugees poured into India. India found the situation untenable and started training the freedom fighters, the Multi Bahini. A war became inevitable. India, under the able leadership of General Sam Manekshaw handed over a conclusive defeat to Pakistan in December 1971. The entire East Pakistan army surrendered.
Tumultuous years followed. Shekh Mujibur Rehman and most of his family were murdered. General Siaur Rehman who captured power was himself later assassinated.
Sheikh Hasina , the daughter of assassinated leader Mujibur Rehman became Prime Minister and has led the country from poverty to relative prosperity. Currently Bangladesh has overtaken India in the growth of GDP.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
