26th March, The Independence Day of Bangladesh. The declaration of independence from Pakistan announced in the early hours of 26 March 1971 by the leader of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In the 1970, the Pakistani general election was held under the military government of President Yahya Khan, the largest political party Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won a clear majority.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto conspired with Yahya Khan and changed their position, refusing to hand over power to Sheikh Mujib. The Negotiations began but Sheikh Mujib was not trusted by the ruling Punjabi leadership let alone the Pakistan establishment, in spite of Mujib's efforts.

When it was clear that promises given earlier were not going to followed,the whole nation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) began a spirited struggle for independence. On 7 March 1971 Sheikh Mujib gave his speech at the Romna Racecourse where he called for a non cooperation movement.

Pakistan personnel rounded up Bangla-speaking armed forces officers, NCOs, and enlisted personnel. Forced disappearances went rampant. On the evening of 25 March in an interview with David Frost, Sheikh Mujib still called out openly for negotiation and a united Pakistan.

That night the Pakistan Army spilled out to the streets statrting a massive genocide called “Operation Searchlight”. It was official, they were not ready for a peaceful transfer of political power to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Independence of Bangladesh was declared on 26 March 1971 by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Another declaration was read out on 27 March 1971, by Major Ziaur Rahman, on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Major Zia raised an independent Z Force brigade in Chittagong and the guerrilla struggle officially began.
The people of Bangladesh then took part in a war to get independence from Pakistan.

Independence of Bangladesh was gained through a nine-month guerrilla war against the Pakistan Army, and their collaborators Bangladeshi traitors (Razakars) which resulted in the death of about 3 million people in the Bangladesh War of Independence and Bangladesh Genocide.

Later with military support from India defeated the Pakistan Army ending the war on 16 December 1971 after the Surrender of Pakistan. [END OF THREAD]