Chapter 13:

Yahya Khan 1969-71 & The Creation of Bangladesh:

East Pakistan was much smaller than West Pakistan but it had a larger population.
Many economic, social and language issues divided the two. The two provinces
were separated by 1000 miles across India and there was widespread feeling in
East Pakistan that the country was run with the best interests of West Pakistan in
mind. By 1970, relations between West and East Pakistan had almost broken down.
Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman was the hope of East Pakistan.

 Who was Yahya Khan? [4]

 Third President of Pakistan.
 Ayub Khan handed over power to him when resigning.
 Yahya Khan imposed Martial Law in 1969.
 He promised and conducted the first free and fair general elections in 1970.
 He abolished One Unit Scheme.
 He ended the Basic Democracy system.
 The fall of Dhaka made him unpopular and he resigned in 1971.

 Who was Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman? [4]

 He believed in self-government of East Pakistan.
 He helped to found Awami League in 1949 and led it in 1960s.
 He drafted Six Point Plan in 1966 which demanded separation in effect.
 1970 elections result meant that Awami League was largest party in Pakistan but it
was not allowed to take power and Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman could not become
PM.
 Military crackdown started against Awami League supporters leading to Civil War.
 Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman became first PM of Bangladesh.
 He was murdered in 1975 in a military takeover.
SOURCE A
The cyclone that broke Pakistan's back Cyclone Bhola hit East Pakistan on 12
November 1070. It wiped out villages, destroyed crops and killed nearly one million
people. Nearly 85 per cent of the area was destroyed. Three months after the
cyclone, 75 per cent of the population was receiving food from relief workers.
Historians believe the devastation caused by the cyclone, the view that the
government had mismanaged the relief efforts and West Pakistan's blatant neglect,
all contributed to the high levels of anti-West Pakistan feeling. This led to a

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 sweeping victory for the Awami League, and eventually the breakup of Pakistan
and the creation of Bangladesh. The catastrophe happened in Pakistan yet it is felt
that few Pakistanis even know of it by name. Fewer still remember that it eventually
contributed to Pakistan's breakup.
From The Express Tribune, 18 August 2010

 According to Source A, what problems were caused by Cyclone Bhola in

1979? [3]
 It destroyed villages and crops.
 Nearly 1 million people died.
 85% of the area was destroyed.
 3 months later, 75% of population were receiving food from aid workers.
 There were ill feelings towards West Pakistan over the amount of aid.

 Explain why East Pakistan wished to become independent of West Pakistan.

[7]
Outline:
i. Underrepresentation in politics and military.
ii. Economic imbalance.
iii. Social and Cultural Differences.

i. Firstly, East Pakistan comprised 55% of the population of Pakistan. However, in the
assembly. It was given only 50% of the population. Besides, important positions
such as Prime Minister, President and Chief of Army was mainly from West Pakistan.
Officers from Bengali origin were only 5% in army. Hence, the deprivation of
political rights caused resentment among East Pakistan leading to their
demand of becoming independent.
ii. Secondly, the reforms brought by Ayub Khan such as Green revolution and
industrial development were initiated mostly in West Pakistan. Most of the
industries set up in East Pakistan were owned by people of West Pakistan. A report
showed that 22 families of West Pakistan had most of Pakistan's wealth. Hence,
East Pakistan started to think that their resources were being exploited
leading to their demand of being independent.
iii. Lastly, both wings had different language and cultures. Urdu-Bengali controversy
had started right from the creation of Pakistan. The capital of the country was also
in West Pakistan. Bengalis were more educated as compared to West Pakistan but
their cultural practices such as dress code, music and dance practices were seen as

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 inferior and even un-Islamic. Hence, the degradation of their culture and norms
created resentment leading to their demand of independence.

 What were the Six Points of Awami League? [4]

 Presented by Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman in 1966.
 Greater Provincial Autonomy.
 Center to have control over Defense and Foreign Policy. Rest of the power to be
granted to provinces.
 Two separate currencies.
 Provinces to collect taxes themselves and send a share to center.
 Separate army for East and West Pakistan.
 Each wing to set up its own trade agreements with other countries and control the
money earned through trade.

 Why did the victory of the Awami League in the 1970 elections in Pakistan
cause a constitutional crisis? [7]
Outline:
i. Fear of domination in West Pakistan's politicians.
ii. Sir Points of Sheikh Mujilb-ur-Rahman.
iii. Yahya Khan delayed the session of National Assembly.

i. The 1970 elections were mainly contested between Awami League led by Sheikh
Mujib-ur-Rahman and Pakistan's People Party led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Awami
League clean swept the elections by winning 160 seats out of 162 in East Pakistan
while PPP could win only 82 seats out of 138 in West Pakistan. The clear majority
of Awami League meant it could form government in center. Hence, West
Pakistan Politicians feared domination by East Pakistan and tried not to give
power to Awami League which caused a constitutional crisis.
ii. Secondly, Awami League had contested the elections on the manifesto of Six Points
which called for greater provincial autonomy, reduced powers of center, separate
currency. Provinces to collect their own tax and separate army which was totally
unacceptable to West Pakistan's leadership. Awami League would definitely
implement the Six Points after victory. Hence, the leadership of West Pakistan
tried to prevent Awami League from assuming office which caused a
constitutional crisis.
iii. Lastly, Yahya Khan was responsible to call the session of National Assembly after
elections for the selection of Prime Minister and government. However, he delayed

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 it for an indefinite time period. PPP also boycotted the National Assembly and
demanded a power sharing formula from Awami League. This situation created
anarchy in East Pakistan and Yahya Khan banned Awami League, put Sheikh Mujib
in jail and started military action. Hence, the attempt to snatch political' rights
of Awami League caused constitutional crisis in Pakistan.

 Who was Mukhti Bahini? [4]

i. Formed in 1971 for armed resistance against West Pakistan after Yahya Khan
launched Operation Searchlight.
ii. Also known as Bangladeshi force.
iii. Deflected soldiers, police and civilians joined it.
iv. They were trained by Indian army.
v. With the help of India, Mukhti Bahini was able to liberate Bangladesh.

 'Political factors were more inmportant than any other factor in the creation
of Bangladesh in 1971.' Do you agree or disagree? Explain. [14]
Outline:
Political cause i. Six Points of Awami League.
Political cause ii. High Post were always given to West Pakistanis.
Political cause iii. Underrepresentation.
Political cause iv. 1970 elections.
Political cause v. Operation searchlight by Yahya Khan.
Political cause vi. Response to 1970 cyclone.
Link-statement
Social difference vii. Language issue.
Social cause viii. Social development.
Social cause ix. Different cultures.
Geographical x. 1000 miles distances.
factors
Economic factors xi. Earning of Jute spent in West Pakistan.
Economic factors xii. Less Economic Development in East Pakistan.
xiii. Mukti Bahini.

i. Awami League won the election on a program Six Points limiting the powers of
central government over the provinces. He wanted the federal form of government.
According to his Six points central government would have control over defence
and foreign policy only. His victory proved that people of East Pakistan wanted to
practice their political rights independently. Yahya Khan was feared that it would

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 weakened Pakistan and central government. However, Yahya Khan rejected the
demands of the Six Points of the Awami League and its leader Mujib was
imprisoned. Hence, this caused further discount which led to the separation of
East Pakistan.
ii. The political disparity was one of the most important reason for the separation
of East Pakistan. East Pakistanis were 10 Million more but they had no real role in
the decision making process of the government. Most of the Governor Generals,
presidents, prime ministers were from West Pakistan. For example, civil service,
judiciary and in army there were less than 20% officers from East Pakistan even
important posts in capital Dhaka were also filled by West Pakistanis. Hence,
political disparity angered them to decide separation from West Pakistan.
iii. East Pakistan felt that they were underrepresented in administration, judiciary, civil
service and government. There were only 5% Bengali officers in the army. People
of East Pakistan were discouraged to join military due to their short height. Their
population was 55% of Pakistan but they were given 50% seats in the first
constitution. Hence, East Pakistan felt it was not being represented fairly in
any aspect and started to demand the creation of Bangladesh.
iv. In 1970 general elections Awami League now had the majority not only in East
Pakistan but in National Assembly as a whole. This meant that it was in a position
to form a government on its own. Prime minister and entire cabinet could come
from East Pakistan. The PPP won in West Pakistan (in terms of number of seats) it
was possible for it to have no role in the government unless the Awami League
invite it to share power. In February 1971, Bhutto threatened that PPP not attending
Assembly until Mujib shares powers with other parties. On 1st March 1971, just two
days before it was due to meet, but Yahya postponed the opening of the National
Assembly without setting a new date. Consequently, East Pakistanis immediately
began a campaign of civil disobedience. Hence, differences were created
between East and West Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
v. Another reason for the creation of Bangladesh was Operation Searchlight. This
operation was launched Yahya Khan to crush the Bengali nationalist movement in
East Pakistan in 1970. After the elections, Yahya Khan was reluctant to transfer the
power to Awami League. Moreover, after his decision to postpone the opening
session of the National Assembly strikes and demonstration started in East
Pakistan. Yahya Khan ordered Operation Searchlight to eliminate all opposition.
Under this operation political workers and leaders were arrested. Hence, this
operation angered the Bengalis and led to the creation of Bangladesh.

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 vi. In 1970, a deadly tropical cyclone hit East Pakistan which took away the life of
almost 500,000 people. There was lazy response from West Pakistan. Relief efforts
were not started timely by the West Pakistan. On the other hand, the timely help
offer of India was appreciated by East Pakistan. Hence, the grievances of East
Pakistan only increased and transformed into a liberation war resulting in the
creation of Bangladesh.

However, there were other factors as well beside Political factors for
creation of Bangladesh.

vii. Bengali language was very significant for the people of East Pakistan. However,
Quaid-e-Azam, Liaquat Ali Khan and Khawaja Nazim-ud-Din were in favour of Urdu
to be the national language. Although they both were made national languages in
the second constitution. Bengali was not promoted as much as Urdu. Hence, the
language issue between both wings proved to be a long term cause for the
creation of Bangladesh.
viii. Another reason for the differences between East and West Pakistan was social
development. More efforts were made to improve health and educational facilities
in West Pakistan. In West Pakistan primary schools were increased by 163% but in
East Pakistan this increase was only 38%. Hence this further disappointed West
Pakistan and led them to separate.
ix. East and West Pakistan had different cultures. Except religion they were
different in all aspects. Their art, music, dance and heroes were different from each
other. Many people in West Pakistan considered their culture superior than East
Pakistan. Hence, cultural disparity widened the differences between East and
West Pakistan which led to the creation of Pakistan.
x. East Pakistan was separated 1000 miles from West Pakistan with hostile Indian
Territory in between. It caused political and administrative issues. Besides, East
Pakistan was constantly flooded. Due to distant geography, their culture, language
and way of living also differed. They had almost nothing in common except
religion. However, Islam was also not seriously implemented. Hence,
geographical factors also led to the creation of Bangladesh.
xi. The export of jute was the main source of foreign exchange from Pakistan. It was
produced in East Pakistan but its earning was mainly spent on the development of
West Pakistan and Defense. East Pakistan resented this as firstly it had no border
issue with India and secondly, East Pakistan only got a small share of fund for

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 development from Jute earning. Hence, they resented the unfair spending of
foreign exchange which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
xii. The green revolution and industrialization during Ayub Khan's era had benefitted
in the development of West Pakistan mostly. It was revealed that 22 families of
West Pakistan possessed most of the wealth of Pakistan. The per capita income in
West Pakistan had increased from 330 to 373 Rupees whereas it decreased in West
Pakistan from 305 to 288 Rupees. Hence, the imbalance in economic
development caused anger in Bengalis resulting in Bangladesh.
xiii. On 31 March 1971 India declared its support for the People of Bengal against
Pakistan. Indian Army began training the Mukti Bahini. As a result, relation
between Pakistan and India became worse. Finally, war broke out on 3rd December
1971 and India launched air, ground and sea attacks on East Pakistan. India’s forces
were larger than Pakistan and Pakistan forces were defeated. Hence, on 16
December 1971, Pakistani army surrendered and on 21 December 1971, the
Republic of Bangladesh was officially declared.

 Economic reasons were the most important than political factors in the
creation of Bangladesh. [14]

 Were political concerns more important than economic ones in the creation
of Bangladesh in 1971? Explain your answer. [14]
Outline:
Economic factors i. Earning of Jute spent in West Pakistan.
Economic factors ii. Less Economic Development in East Pakistan.
iii.
Political cause iv. Six Points of Awami League.
Political cause v. High Post were always given to West Pakistanis.
Political cause vi. Underrepresentation.
Political cause vii. 1970 elections.
Political cause viii. Operation searchlight by Yahya Khan.
Political cause ix. Response to 1970 cyclone.

i. The export of jute was the main source of foreign exchange from Pakistan. It was
produced in East Pakistan but its earning was mainly spent on the development of
West Pakistan and Defense. East Pakistan resented this as firstly it had no border
issue with India and secondly, East Pakistan only got a small share of fund for
development from Jute earning. Hence, they resented the unfair spending of
foreign exchange which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

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 ii. The green revolution and industrialization during Ayub Khan's era had benefitted
in the development of West Pakistan mostly. It was revealed that 22 families of
West Pakistan possessed most of the wealth of Pakistan. The per capita income in
West Pakistan had increased from 330 to 373 Rupees whereas it decreased in West
Pakistan from 305 to 288 Rupees. Hence, the imbalance in economic
development caused anger in Bengalis resulting in Bangladesh.
iii. Awami League won the election on a program Six Points limiting the powers of
central government over the provinces. He wanted the federal form of government.
According to his Six points central government would have control over defence
and foreign policy only. His victory proved that people of East Pakistan wanted to
practice their political rights independently. Yahya Khan was feared that it would
weakened Pakistan and central government. However, Yahya Khan rejected the
demands of the Six Points of the Awami League and its leader Mujib was
imprisoned. Hence, this caused further discount which led to the separation of
East Pakistan.
iv. The political disparity was one of the most important reason for the separation
of East Pakistan. East Pakistanis were 10 Million more but they had no real role in
the decision making process of the government. Most of the Governor Generals,
presidents, prime ministers were from West Pakistan. For example, civil service,
judiciary and in army there were less than 20% officers from East Pakistan even
important posts in capital Dhaka were also filled by West Pakistanis. Hence,
political disparity angered them to decide separation from West Pakistan.
v. East Pakistan felt that they were underrepresented in administration, judiciary, civil
service and government. There were only 5% Bengali officers in the army. People
of East Pakistan were discouraged to join military due to their short height. Their
population was 55% of Pakistan but they were given 50% seats in the first
constitution. Hence, East Pakistan felt it was not being represented fairly in
any aspect and started to demand the creation of Bangladesh.
vi. In 1970 general elections Awami League now had the majority not only in East
Pakistan but in National Assembly as a whole. This meant that it was in a position
to form a government on its own. Prime minister and entire cabinet could come
from East Pakistan. The PPP won in West Pakistan (in terms of number of seats) it
was possible for it to have no role in the government unless the Awami League
invite it to share power. In February 1971, Bhutto threatened that PPP not attending
Assembly until Mujib shares powers with other parties. On 1st March 1971, just two
days before it was due to meet, but Yahya postponed the opening of the National
Assembly without setting a new date. Consequently, East Pakistanis immediately

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 began a campaign of civil disobedience. Hence, differences were created
between East and West Pakistan which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
vii. Another reason for the creation of Bangladesh was Operation Searchlight. This
operation was launched Yahya Khan to crush the Bengali nationalist movement in
East Pakistan in 1970. After the elections, Yahya Khan was reluctant to transfer the
power to Awami League. Moreover, after his decision to postpone the opening
session of the National Assembly strikes and demonstration started in East
Pakistan. Yahya Khan ordered Operation Searchlight to eliminate all opposition.
Under this operation political workers and leaders were arrested. Hence, this
operation angered the Bengalis and led to the creation of Bangladesh.
viii. In 1970, a deadly tropical cyclone hit East Pakistan which took away the life of
almost 500,000 people. There was lazy response from West Pakistan. Relief efforts
were not started timely by the West Pakistan. On the other hand, the timely help
offer of India was appreciated by East Pakistan. Hence, the grievances of East
Pakistan only increased and transformed into a liberation war resulting in the
creation of Bangladesh.

 Sheikh Mujeeb six points were the most important reason for the creation of
Bangladesh. Do you agree? Explain your answer. [14]
Outline:
Political cause i. Sheikh Mujeeb Six Point.
Link-statement
Any other 5 reasons

 Which of the following was the most important factor in the creation of
Bangladesh?
i. Economic
ii. Political
iii. Social / cultural

Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above. [14]

Outline:

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 Successes and failures of Yahya Khan:

 How successful was Yahya Khan as President of Pakistan from 1969-71?

Explain your answer. [14]
Outline:
Success i. Held free and fair election.
Success ii. Abolish one Unit Scheme.
Success iii. Ended Basic Democracy System.
Link-statement.
Failure iv. Did not let Sheikh Mujib form government.
Failure v. Operation searchlight against his own people.
Failure vi. Surrendered to Indian army in 1971.

i. In December 1970, Yahya Khan held the general election in the whole country on
the basis of adult franchise. It was the first time when general election were held in
the whole country. Hence, it was a success of Yahya Khan as it was a good step
towards democracy.
ii. Yahya Kahan abolished One Unit Scheme. It was presented during Iskander Mirza
reign according to which West Pakistan was declared as one unit but it was
opposed by East and West Pakistan. Hence, Yahya Khan abolished it which
satisfied the people of both wings.
iii. Yahya Khan ended Basic Democracy System. It was introduced by Ayub Khan under
this system people were not given the right to elect their own representatives. This
system had many flaws and dissatisfied many people. Hence, Yahya Khan
abolished BD to introduce new system which should be acceptable to all.
iv. Pakistan but in National Assembly as a whole. This meant that it was in a position
to form a government on its own. Prime minister and entire cabinet could come
from East Pakistan. But Yahya postponed the opening of the National Assembly
without setting a new date. Consequently, East Pakistanis immediately began a
campaign of civil disobedience. Hence, differences were created between East
and West Pakistan which led to the failure of Yahya Khan.
v. Yahya Khan launched Operation Searchlight to crush the Bengali nationalist
movement in East Pakistan in 1970. After the elections, Yahya Khan was reluctant
to transfer the power to Awami League. However, after his decision to postpone
the opening session of the National Assembly strikes and demonstration started in

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 East Pakistan. Under this operation political workers and leaders were arrested.
Hence, this operation angered the Bengalis and led to the failure of Yahya
Khan.
vi. In 1971 India declared its support for the People of Bengal against Pakistan.
As a result, relation between Pakistan and India became worse. Finally, war broke
out in December 1971 and India launched air, ground and sea attacks on East
Pakistan. India’s forces were larger than Pakistan and Pakistan forces were
defeated. Hence, in December 1971, Pakistani army surrendered which is the
failure of Yahya Khan as president.

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