Bangladesh Army History

 Bangladesh Army History

The history of the Bangladesh Army is deeply intertwined with the country's struggle for independence and its post-independence development. Here is a brief overview: Origins and Pre-Independence (British and Pakistani Periods)

1. **British Colonial Era (1757–1947)**: The region that is now Bangladesh was part of British India. Bengali soldiers served in the British Indian Army, participating in both World Wars. After the partition of India in 1947, East Bengal became part of the newly created Pakistan. 2. **Pakistan Period (1947–1971)**: East Bengal became East Pakistan after the partition. The Pakistani military was dominated by West Pakistanis, and East Pakistani soldiers were often marginalized. By the 1970s, political tensions between East and West Pakistan escalated, fueled by the economic and political disparity.

The Liberation War and Independence (1971)

The turning point in the history of the Bangladesh Army came with the **Bangladesh Liberation War** in 1971, which led to the birth of the Bangladesh Army. 1. **Awami League's Victory and Tensions**: In the general elections of 1970, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a decisive victory. However, the West Pakistani leadership refused to transfer power. This led to growing resentment in East Pakistan. 2. **Operation Searchlight (March 1971)**: On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military launched **Operation Searchlight**, a brutal crackdown on Dhaka and other cities to suppress the independence movement. This triggered a full-scale rebellion in East Pakistan. 3. **Formation of Mukti Bahini**: The **Mukti Bahini** (Liberation Army) was formed by Bengali officers and soldiers who defected from the Pakistani military, alongside civilians and students who took up arms. This force later became the foundation of the Bangladesh Army. Key figures like Major Ziaur Rahman, Major General M. A. G. Osmani, and others played pivotal roles in organizing the resistance. 4. **War of Independence**: From March to December 1971, the Mukti Bahini, with support from India and its military forces, waged a guerrilla war against the Pakistani Army. India officially intervened in December 1971, leading to a decisive victory. On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan became the independent state of Bangladesh. Post-Independence Period (1971–Present)

1. **Formation of Bangladesh Army**: After independence, the Mukti Bahini was reorganized into the Bangladesh Army. Major General M. A. G. Osmani was appointed the first Commander-in-Chief of the army. Many challenges emerged, including the integration of various guerrilla factions into a professional military structure. 2. **1975 Coup and Instability**: The early years of Bangladesh saw political instability, and the military played a significant role in the country's politics. In 1975, a military coup led to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader. This marked the beginning of a series of military interventions in Bangladesh's politics, with a number of coups and counter-coups occurring in the late 1970s and 1980s. 3. **Era of Military Rule (1975–1990)**: The country experienced periods of military rule under leaders like General Ziaur Rahman (1975–1981) and General H. M. Ershad (1982–1990). During this time, the army remained a powerful political force, while also focusing on professionalizing and modernizing its structure. 4. **Transition to Democracy (1990s)**: By the 1990s, the army returned to the barracks as Bangladesh transitioned to parliamentary democracy. However, the military continues to play a role in the country's security and emergency management, stepping in during times of national crises. Modern Era

1. **Peacekeeping Missions**: Since the 1990s, the Bangladesh Army has been actively involved in United Nations peacekeeping missions, gaining international recognition for its professionalism and dedication. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions globally. 2. **Modernization Efforts**: In recent years, the Bangladesh Army has undergone significant modernization efforts, with upgrades in weaponry, technology, and training to meet the demands of contemporary military challenges. The army also plays a key role in disaster response, counterterrorism, and border security. 3. **Role in Politics**: Though the military has formally stepped back from politics, it remains a powerful institution. Its role in internal security, disaster management, and regional peacekeeping continues to shape its standing within Bangladesh and abroad.

Key Figures in Bangladesh Army History:

- **General M. A. G. Osmani**: Commander-in-Chief during the Liberation War. - **Major Ziaur Rahman**: Proclaimed the declaration of independence and later became the President of Bangladesh. - **General H. M. Ershad**: Ruled as a military dictator from 1982 to 1990. The Bangladesh Army's evolution reflects the country's tumultuous political landscape, from its revolutionary beginnings to its role in peacekeeping and national development.