Pakistan marks 53 years since fall of Dhaka

Today marks 53 years since the tragic fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971, a day remembered as the Day of the Fall of Dhaka, when East Pakistan separated to become Bangladesh.

This separation was not solely due to the 1971 war with India, but rather a result of a complex mix of political, social, and economic factors. The situation was exacerbated by the failure to implement the results of the 1970 general elections, in which Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League secured a majority. 

However, the central government in West Pakistan did not transfer power, which deepened political tensions between the two regions. Meanwhile, India capitalized on the political impasse and launched Operation Jackpot providing support to the Mukti Bahini in its struggle for independence. 

The collaboration between India and the Mukti Bahini fueled widespread violence in East Pakistan. As Pakistan awaited support from its allies, none came, leaving the country to face a devastating defeat. 

The anticipated military aid from the US, in the form of the Sixth Fleet, failed to materialize. As a consequence, East Pakistan broke away and became the independent nation of Bangladesh. 

Today, the economic contrast between the two countries is striking, with 1 USD equaling 119 Bangladeshi Taka compared to 277 Pakistani Rupees. This disparity highlights the different paths the two nations have followed since that pivotal day in 1971. The Fall of Dhaka remains a significant and emotional event in the history of both countries, profoundly shaping their destinies over the past 53 years.