1971
In 1947, (after the departure of the British Empire, the region of Bengal was divided along religious lines. As a result, the western part went to newly created Indian state while the Eastern region joined the Pakistan province and Muslim eastern part of Bengal became the East Bengal (East Pakistan). Pakistan’s history from 1947 to 1971 was marked by political instability and economic difficulties. In 1952, the Bengali Language Movement became the first sign of resistance between the two regions of Pakistan following economic and cultural issues. The movement reached its climax when police killed student demonstrators on that day.)
British India was partitioned, creating the 'Dominion of Pakistan', which was two separate regions to the north west and north east of India. The new dominion was governed from West Pakistan, which led to frictions between the two regions, with the first signs of a movement for autonomy for East Pakistan appearing in 1952.
In the 1970 general elections, the Bangla-based Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman won an overall majority, but the West Pakistani regime was reluctant to hand over power. On 25 March 1971, Pakistani troops were used to quell the growing unrest.
This led to the Independence of Bangladesh being declared by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the early morning of 26 March 1971, and marked the start of the war of Independence. In November 1970, India entered the war, supporting East Pakistan. This led to victory for East Pakistan on 16 December 1970 (marked by the Victory Day holiday).
On gaining its independence, East Pakistan was renamed Bangladesh.
The holiday celebrates the declaration of the Independence of Bangladesh in 1971. It is the National Holiday of Bangladesh.