The document summarizes the creation of Bangladesh from East Pakistan. It describes the vast differences between East and West Pakistan, the political tensions that arose after the Awami League won elections in 1970 but was denied governing power by the West Pakistani military ruler. This led to riots in East Pakistan and a deadly crackdown by the Pakistani army that killed an estimated 1 million Bengalis over nine months and displaced millions more to India. Ultimately, India intervened on behalf of East Pakistan, helping them gain independence as Bangladesh in 1971.

1. The Creation of Bangladesh Mr. Gibbs Developing Nations Spring 2009

3. Vast Differences Land – Languages - Pre-Independence History The only thing that bound them together (loosely at that) was ISLAM

4. Our Biggest Problem How are we going to govern two lands that are geographically separate? Especially considering the political capital was in WEST Pakistan and the majority of the citizens living in EAST Pakistan

5. Fight for our Rights The Awami League was formed Greater autonomy for East Pakistan Sheik Mujibur Rahman (a.k.a Sheik Mujib)

6. Election Day 1970 –the election of a new National Assembly (Congress) Awami League candidates won a clear majority – 167 seats out of the 313 possible. Ayub Khan - military ruler – ignored the results and postponed the new Congress

7. Double Trouble Problem #1 – Riots broke out in the streets of East Pakistan

8. Mother Nature made things worse Problem #2 – a cyclone and tidal wave hit East Pakistan – historically remembered as one of the greatest natural disasters of all time 600,000 Casualties Effect? The East Pakistanis felt the government was not sympathetic and did not supply enough aid.

9. Martial Law Martial Law is imposed – the Pakistani army is sent to the West to put down the riots. “ What followed for the next nine months was probably one of the greatest bloodbaths in modern history as the army began a systematic slaughter of the Bengalis”

10. Millions affected 1 million murders 10 Million head for India 10 million displaced within East Pakistan

11. India enters the conflict Recognizes and supports and independent East Pakistan (Bangladesh) Helped defeat the West Pakistani army in Bangladesh

12. The aftermath Millions displaced – GNP per capita devastated Infrastructure – farmlands and factories destroyed However….The spirit and nationalism in the hearts of the new Bangladesh was established

13. The Future….? Unstable government Population Density is off the charts Its geographic location makes it susceptible to natural disasters Heavy reliance on foreign aid