INDIA-B'DESH PERSISTENT s HARED STRUGGLES

Sharing rivers has been a long-standing issue. While the Ganges treaty succeeded, Teesta remains unresolved. Border cooperation continues improving.

Bangladesh's journey Bto independence is a compelling narrative of cultural identity, political struggle, and resilience. The nation's path to sovereignty was shaped by a series of pivotal events, culminating in its emergence as an independent country in 1971.

PARTITION OF BRITISH INDIA 11947 In 1947, the British Indian Empire was divided into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Pakistan was uniquely bifurcated into West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), separated by approximately 1,600 kilometres of Indian territory This division was primarily based on religious demographics, with Pakistan envisioned as a homeland for Muslims. However, significant cultural, linguistic, and economic disparities existed between the two wings of Pakistan.

The people of East Pakistan were predominantly Bengali-speaking, with a rich cultural heritage distinct from the Urdu-speaking West Pakistanis. Tensions escalated when the central government, dominated by west Pakistan, attempted to impose Urdu as the sole national language. This move marginalized the Bengali language and ignited the Language Movement in the early 19508, marked by protests and civil unrest in East Pakistan.

East Pakistanis felt politically underrepresented and economically exploited. Despite contributing a significant portion of Pakistan's export revenues, East Pakistan received a disproportionately small share of government investments and development projects. This economic disparity fueled resentment and a growing demand for autonomy.

THE RISE OF BENGALI NATIONALISM In the 1960s, the Awami Tjibur Rahman, became the principal political force advocating for East Pakistani rights. In 1970, the Awami League won a landslide victory in Pakistan's general elections, securing the majority of seats. However, the central government hesitated to transfer power, leading to widespread protests and civil disobedience in East Pakistan.