New Delhi: The year 1971 or its end changed the history of Asia and the world. A great fight for Independence took place in November-December 1971 between East Pakistan, India and West Pakistan. After the battle, East Pakistan emerged as a new nation which we know today as Bangladesh, one of the key neighbouring countries of India.
Every year on November 21, the Armed Forces Day is observed in Bangladesh. The day signifies the occasion in 1971 when Bangladesh’s defence forces (army, navy and air) were united officially and they together launched operations against the forces of Pakistan. On December 16, 1971, the Pakistani Army was forced to surrender to the allied forces of the Bangladesh army and the Indian Army which ended the Liberation War.
The Bangladesh Liberation War and the uniting of three forces
The Pakistan Army, against the freedom movement of the people of East Pakistan, began to crack down on the common people on March 25, 1971, mainly in Dhaka and later the crackdown was extended to the entirety of Bangladesh. In retaliation to the Pakistan Army’s crackdown, the Bangladesh Liberation War was launched as a resistance movement.
Slowly, the forces of Bangladesh began to gather small groups of guerrilla fighters who adopted the tactics of ‘hit and run’. Later, the Bengali military personnel who served in the Pakistan defence forces deserted their respective units to join the Bangladesh Forces. The personnel organised the forces into regular units mainly as Land Forces across the border of Indian territory. A naval wing was opened by some personnel and also an air wing was formed.
After a prolonged guerrilla warfare by the Bangladesh Forces, they were restructured and the Bangladesh Army was divided into brigade-size combat groups known as the ‘Z’ Force, ‘K’ Force and the ‘S’ Force. On the other hand, many Bengali sailors and officers deserted the Pakistan Navy and formed the initial Bangladesh Navy which originally had two ships, PALASH and BNS Padma and there were a total of 45 navy personnel. The Bangladesh Navy aimed at cutting off the supply of arms, ammunition and rations for the occupation forces. On September 28, 1971, the Bangladesh Air Force was formed and was formally launched on October 8, 1971. It comprised of the officers of Bengali origin who served in the Pakistan Air Force and deserted it.
Every year, the Armed Forces Day celebrates the joining of the three forces in the Liberation War which enabled Bangladesh to liberate large areas along the border during the war and they were also able to disrupt the lines of communication. It is a significant day in Bangladesh as it honours the sacrifices of the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Liberation War.
Every year on November 21, the Armed Forces Day is observed in Bangladesh. The day signifies the occasion in 1971 when Bangladesh’s defence forces (army, navy and air) were united officially and they launched joint operations against the forces of Pakistan. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
