Fall of East Pakistan and Transfer of Power: A Historical Review

Abstract

The separation of East Pakistan in 1971 was a major turning point in the political history of Pakistan. This study examines the political developments that followed the 1970 general elections and led to the failure of negotiations between the central government, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It focuses on the dispute over the Six-Point Programme, the postponement of the National Assembly session, the non-cooperation movement in East Pakistan, and the negotiations held in Dhaka during March 1971. The study also examines the role of external actors, particularly India, the Soviet Union, the United States, and China, as presented in the selected text. It further discusses the military operation that began on 25 March 1971, the Indo-Pakistan War, and the transfer of power to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 20 December 1971. Using a qualitative approach based on documentary analysis, the study explores the political and diplomatic developments that contributed to the breakdown of negotiations and the eventual disintegration of Pakistan. It also recognises that the source presents a particular interpretation of responsibility for the crisis, which requires comparison with other historical accounts for a more comprehensive understanding.