Why Did East Pakistan Separate from West Pakistan: Political Discrimination and External Exploitation

The separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan in 1971 was a complex event deeply rooted in political discrimination, internal conflicts, and external exploitation. This article delves into the multifaceted factors that led to this dramatic event, while also contextualizing the broader political dynamics of the time.

Introduction

The partition of Pakistan in 1947 was a significant event that divided the predominantly Muslim nation into two geographically distinct regions: West Pakistan, primarily consisting of today’s Pakistan, and East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. This division was made based on religious demographics, with West Pakistan being predominantly Urdu-speaking and West Pakistani (mostly Punjabi and Pashtun) ruling the country. However, the tensions between the two regions quickly escalated due to a series of political, economic, and social issues that ultimately led to the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan.

Political Discrimination and State Policies

One of the primary reasons for the separation of East Pakistan was significant political discrimination. East Pakistan, which constitutes the Bengal region, faced numerous forms of discrimination from West Pakistan. The Bengali politicians and population were marginalized and their rights were suppressed:

Economic Imbalance

West Pakistan accused East Pakistan of diluting the nation by speaking a different language, Bengali, instead of the national language, Urdu. This language discrimination was accompanied by economic marginalization. Responsibility for the production of 60% of Pakistan's GDP was largely on the Bengalis, but they received less than 10% of the total budget allocation. This economic disparity led to a sense of injustice among the Bengalis, who felt that their substantial contribution to the nation was not being reciprocated.

Election and Governance

Another major factor was the governance structure of Pakistan. The country was ruled from West Pakistan, and political decisions often favored the Urdu-speaking majority. The West Pakistani government did not conduct free and fair elections, but there was a manipulation of the electoral process. In 1970, the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. Sheik Mujibur Rahman's victory was a clear indication of the people's desire for reforms and autonomy in East Pakistan, but his demand for separate development policies and local governance was met with resistance. This set the stage for political tensions that ultimately triggered the civil war.

External Exploitation and India's Role

India played a significant role in the separation of East Pakistan, particularly during the 1971 war. India's exploitation of the situation and its support for East Pakistan were driven by a broader geopolitical objective:

Political Calculations and Nationalism

India, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, sought to weaken West Pakistan and solidify its own position in South Asia. The decision to support the Mukti Bahini (Freedom Fighters) was a strategic move to undermine Pakistan and exploit its internal political instability. The war that ensued made it clear that India had a vested interest in dismembering Pakistan. The West Pakistani forces' collapse occurred within 13 days, leading to East Pakistan's independence as Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan was a result of complex political and social factors, including economic exploitation, governance issues, and external manipulation. The political history of Bangladesh has witnessed dramatic turns, and its struggle for independence and subsequent governance issues continue to shape its political landscape.

Related Keywords

East Pakistan West Pakistan Separation India Bengali