Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971 was brief; thanks largely to Indira Gandhi’s steadfast decision-making and racing through the maze of opposition worldwide and within India. Bangladesh’s independence was good for India and also for the people who formed a new country called Bangladesh.
The reason for the separation of Pakistan was caused by the colonial attitude of the West Pakistani ruling class (the Army) and the quest for democracy by the people from East Pakistan. America was the role model often cited during the struggles all the way from 1952 till 1971. However what happened after the independence is somewhat different; a concoction of electoral voting followed by dictatorship of one person.
Right from the inception, the founding architect of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman decimated the opposition by killing and silencing them and then forming a one-party system BKSAL in 1974. Awami League, the ruling party now is the same party of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and there could be a parallel drawn pre- 1974 and what is happening now. Some of Sheikh’s advisors and architects of the one party system in 1974 are still alive and are advising Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sheikh Mujib formed the Rakkhi Bahini (militia) to protect the great leader and his family. Similarly Sheikh Hasina has a Special Security Force (SSF) composing of tough militia trained in foreign countries and also has some foreign elements. Apparently she does not trust Bangladeshi forces.
Ziaur Rahman, a military General took power in 1976 to unite a fragmented nation. He had to subdue about 18 uprisings and at the same time undo the dictatorial system created in 1974. He was ruthlessly honest and tough but lacked political acumen. He subdued all fragmented militias and united what is the start of Bangladesh today and started the first multi-party electoral process. Unfortunately he was killed in a coup in 1982 and General Ershad took power. Ershad ruled Bangladesh with a fake electoral process for 9 years until he was overthrown by popular uprising in 1991. Some quarters believe Ershad was complicit in the murder of Ziaur Rahman. As is usual with political murders, getting the true story is next to impossible.
Dictator Ershad’s political party currently is in coalition with the Sheikh Hasina’s party. He is believed to be her advisor, mentor as well as acting as a fake opposition in the parliament. The real opposition party BNP did not join the flawed election of January 5, 2014. The country is leading towards a one party monopoly again. Sheikh Hasina’s aim is to destroy main opposition party BNP; something similar to what happened in 1972-1975 when Sheikh Mujib destroyed the main opposition JSD, killing the leaders and their people who formed its hierarchy.
This is a brief of the Bangladesh’s political history from 1971 and it is suggested that one should read various books and sources that are available for it is difficult to find a coherent explanation of the true history. True history has been distorted to the political advantage of each administration aiming to bolster their position and decimate opposition. Especially the events in the last 6 years is extremely important as it may tip the balance-sheet of history. While the mid-level entrepreneurs, workers and peasants are developing the economy, the politicians are squandering and de-accelerating the flow of growth. The aim of the present regime and their backing capitalists (may number about 20 wealthiest families) is to establish a powerful one-party monopoly. It will assure their money making ventures which are often illegal or equivalent to looting. The politicians are forgetting that the Bangladeshi people are not fools. They are wise enough to figure out the injudicious acts of the politicians and these super-rich class and eventually will win at the end.
The Bangladesh Chronicle