53 Years Later: Did Bangladesh Win or Lose After 1971?

From December 16, 1971, to 2024, 53 years have passed. Over half a century has elapsed, yet the wounds from this period continue to throb in Pakistan. Each year, on this day, it feels as if a blade cuts through the collective consciousness of millions in the country. For those who witnessed or contributed to the creation of Pakistan, this wound remained fresh until their last breath. But what about later generations? Even for those born after 1971, the very mention of “Bangladesh” evokes an uncomfortable sting. Why does the heart resist accepting it?

This pain is more than historical; it’s deeply emotional. It’s not merely about the past but about a sense of loss that refuses to heal. Why does it feel so deeply for people with whom there were no familial, linguistic, or cultural ties? Unlike Sri Lankans or Indians, who are geographically closer, the grief of separation from Bangladesh runs much deeper. This can only be understood in the context of Islamic brotherhood—a bond that transcends ethnicity, language, and geography. This bond was the same force that, in 1916, inspired Muslims of the subcontinent to stand with Turkey. Women from humble households removed their jewelry and donated it to the Turkish cause. What connection did the Muslims of the subcontinent have with Turkey in 1916? What was the distance between Delhi and Istanbul? And yet, that Islamic brotherhood bridged all divides.

Since 1971, no Pakistani has ever celebrated the fall of East Pakistan. Numerous books, articles, commission reports, and analyses emerged, attempting to explain the tragedy. The blame was laid on political mismanagement, military misjudgments, and administrative failures. These reports argued that systemic discrimination and negligence since 1947 forced the Bengalis to seek independence.

But while many accounts blamed Pakistan’s leadership, very few questioned the role of the Bengali leadership and public. The mainstream narrative absolves them of any responsibility. The popular perception is that the fall of East Pakistan was solely due to the mistakes of West Pakistani rulers. Conversations about East Pakistan have been directed at West Pakistan’s Muslim population, not at Bengali Muslims.

But it’s time to ask difficult questions. Were the Bengali leadership and people entirely blameless? Did the majority of Bengalis genuinely want separation? Were they all united in the belief that breaking away from Pakistan was the only solution? Did they all celebrate the creation of Bangladesh as a triumph of freedom? These are not trivial questions, nor are they meant to provoke. For over half a century, no one has directly engaged the people of Bangladesh with these questions. Today, it’s time to ask them directly.

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People of Bangladesh, 53 years have passed. What have you gained, and what have you lost?

This is not a rhetorical question but an invitation for introspection. When you separated from Pakistan, you did so with dreams of sovereignty, dignity, and prosperity. You sought to establish your distinct identity as an independent nation. Today, there are voices within Bangladesh itself questioning, “What have we done?” These voices, once silenced during Sheikh Hasina’s rule, are beginning to resurface. They ask, “What was the truth, and what was propaganda?” “What are the facts, and what were the illusions sold to us?” The biggest question of all is: “What have we lost, and what have we gained?”

The Question of Identity

People of Bangladesh, you established an independent nation, but did you create a distinct identity? Was Bengali nationalism ever a strong enough foundation to build a unified state? If Bengali language, culture, and nationalism were the sole basis for a separate country, then logic dictates that you should have joined hands with West Bengal, India. After all, you speak the same language, follow the same cultural norms, and share the same traditions. The only difference was religion. If Bengali nationalism was the driving force, then why didn’t Bangladesh unify with West Bengal and other Bengali-speaking regions of India? If that had happened, it would be understood that you were true champions of Bengali nationalism.

But 53 years later, West Bengal’s attitude toward Bangladesh remains hostile. The people of West Bengal, despite sharing linguistic and cultural similarities, do not view Bangladesh as equals. Conversely, in Bangladesh, there is a similar aversion to West Bengal, with many Bangladeshis refusing to associate with them. If Bengali nationalism was the goal, then why is this rift still so pronounced? If Islam is not the shared identity, then what is causing this “otherness” between you and them?

The Role of National Symbols

People of Bangladesh, when you designed your national flag, you consciously excluded any indication of Muslim identity. Compare this with other Muslim-majority nations like Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—all of their flags have symbols that reflect their Islamic heritage. Bangladesh’s flag features a deep green background with a red rising sun. What part of this design signifies your ideological separation from West Bengal?

Your national anthem, too, raises important questions. You selected “Amar Shonar Bangla” by Rabindranath Tagore, a poet who was neither a citizen of Bangladesh nor a Muslim. His song, written in 1905, was a response to the British division of Bengal—a partition that, ironically, created a Muslim-majority region and a Hindu-majority region. This is almost identical to Bangladesh’s current division. Tagore was also a vocal opponent of the 1905 partition. Is it not ironic that Bangladesh adopted an anthem by a man who opposed the creation of a Muslim-majority territory?

Is there a single word in the national anthem that mentions “Bangladesh”? Is there a single reference to the Muslim identity of the people of Bangladesh? National anthems reflect the pride and honor of a people. Among the millions of Bangladeshis, could no one be found capable of writing a national anthem that reflects both Bangladesh’s Muslim heritage and its national name?

Economic Rights and Prosperity

From 1947 to 1971, Bengalis alleged that West Pakistan denied them political, linguistic, and economic rights. They argued that West Pakistan’s rulers exploited their resources and denied them equal representation. After independence, did these grievances disappear? Did the people of Bangladesh achieve the economic prosperity that was promised?

Sheikh Hasina’s government often claimed that Bangladesh had achieved significant economic growth. However, ground realities paint a different picture. Thousands of Bangladeshis are still forced to migrate to Gulf and Arab countries, working in low-paying, labor-intensive jobs under harsh conditions. Why, if Bangladesh is a “prosperous” country, are its citizens forced to seek work abroad? Why do Bangladeshi laborers endure conditions that even Pakistani and Indian laborers often reject?

Yes, Pakistanis and Indians face difficulties abroad, but Bangladeshis experience even worse treatment. If Bangladesh is as prosperous as its government claims, why hasn’t it been able to offer its citizens employment and opportunities at home? Either the claim of prosperity is exaggerated, or the leadership’s priorities lie elsewhere.

This is not an attempt to undermine Bangladesh’s achievements but to encourage honest reflection. In 53 years, any nation would have had enough time to evaluate its successes and failures. Were the dreams of 1971 fulfilled? Were the promises of sovereignty, dignity, and economic prosperity realized? Did the people of Bangladesh achieve the identity and rights that they once demanded?

As you mark 53 years of independence, take a moment to ask yourselves: What have we done? If the answers bring you pride, then celebrate your success. But if the answers reveal unresolved grievances, then perhaps it’s time for a deeper reflection on the journey, the choices, and the promises that were made. The pain of 1971 will not be healed until all sides acknowledge the shared responsibility of history. Until then, it remains an unresolved chapter in the story of the subcontinent.

So, once again, we ask: People of Bangladesh, what did you do in 1971 and how are you going to behave differently in the future?