The Bangladesh Liberation War: A First-Hand Chronicle

The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, also known as the Muktijudhdho, was a defining moment in South Asian history. It stemmed from the deep-seated alienation of the Bengali population of East Pakistan from the ruling elite of the West, igniting a political upheaval that culminated in the birth of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

This riveting first-hand account of the war comes from a former journalist of The Statesman, who, as a young cub reporter, had remarkably foreseen the impending conflict as early as January 1971 in an article titled When Brother Meets Brother. When the war erupted, he became one of the very few Indian journalists to cover the entire trajectory of the struggle—from its earliest days to the final surrender of the Pakistani military in Khulna on December 17.

The book’s most compelling aspect is its exploration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s pivotal role in shaping the Bengali consciousness for independence. It sheds light on the discriminatory policies of the ruling military junta, which fueled the demand for liberation, eventually receiving crucial support from India. Drawing upon his deep access to Mukti Bahini sector commanders and senior Awami League leaders, the author uncovers little-known facts that offer a fresh perspective on this epochal event.

"History is not written by the victors alone, but by those who dare to witness it unfold."

** Niyogi Books Pvt. Ltd. (Under the Imprint: Paper Missile).