Yahya Khan and the creation of Bangladesh

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Governments 1948 to 1958 and Ayub Khan 1958 to 1969, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

A country divided

In 1970 Pakistan held its first general election. A year later, the country had split in two, and East Pakistan became Bangladesh. This lesson covers Yahya Khan's rule, the long-term causes of the split, and the events of 1971.

Long-term causes

Geography: East and West Pakistan were separated by more than a thousand miles of Indian territory. Language: the early decision to make Urdu the only national language angered Bengali speakers. Economics and power: East Pakistan earned much of the export income from jute, but felt the West gained most of the development and held most top jobs in the army and civil service.

The Six Points

In 1966, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman of the Awami League put forward Six Points for East Pakistan's autonomy. The federal government would control only defence and foreign affairs; the provinces would control taxation and foreign exchange. There would be separate currencies or safeguards, and East Pakistan could have its own militia. The West saw this as close to separation.

Yahya Khan's plans

General Yahya Khan took power in March 1969 and promised elections. His Legal Framework Order set the rules for the election and the new assembly. He ended One Unit and gave seats by population. This meant East Pakistan, with more people, would have a majority of seats.

The 1970 election

Pakistan's first general election was held in December 1970. The Awami League won almost all of East Pakistan's seats, giving it an overall majority in the National Assembly. Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party won most seats in the West. Neither party had support in the other wing.

Crisis and war

Bhutto refused to attend the assembly on Mujib's terms, and Yahya postponed it. Protests and strikes swept East Pakistan. In March 1971 the army launched a military operation in East Pakistan. Mujib was arrested, and civil war followed; millions fled to India. India supported the Bengali fighters, and in December 1971 full war broke out.

The surrender

On 16 December 1971 the Pakistan army in Dhaka surrendered, and East Pakistan became Bangladesh. About 90,000 Pakistani soldiers and civilians became prisoners of war in India. Yahya resigned, and Bhutto took over as President.

Why Bangladesh was created

The causes, grouped. A 14-mark answer should explain several and then judge.

Yahya's record

For: he held Pakistan's first free general election, and ended One Unit, which the smaller provinces wanted. Against: he failed to transfer power to the elected majority, and his military action led to civil war and the loss of the east. So his commitment to democracy was real at first, but failed when it mattered most.

Mistakes that lose marks

Mistake one: giving only one cause, such as India, for the creation of Bangladesh. Mistake two: muddling the Six Points with Jinnah's 14 Points. Mistake three: getting the 1970 result wrong: the Awami League won an overall majority. The fix: long-term causes, short-term causes, and the trigger.

The full-marks tip

The full-marks tip: group the causes: long-term grievances, the 1970 election, then the war. Describe the Six Points by what they gave the centre and the provinces.

On one card

So, on one card: Yahya Khan and 1971. Keep it for revision.