"The struggle this time is the struggle for emancipation! The struggle this time is the struggle for independence!"

— From the historic March 7 Speech

01 / Liberation War

The Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)

The Bangladesh Liberation War (March 26 – December 16, 1971) was a nine-month conflict that led to East Pakistan breaking away to become the independent nation of Bangladesh.

Core Timeline:

  • The Cause: The West Pakistani ruling elite refused to hand over power after the East Pakistani Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won the 1970 democratic election.
  • The Crackdown: On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, initiating a brutal genocide against Bengali civilians, intellectuals, and minorities.
  • The Resistance: Bengali defectors and citizens formed a guerrilla army called the Mukti Bahini to fight back.
  • The Victory: India officially joined the war in December, leading to the total surrender of Pakistani forces on December 16, 1971 (Victory Day).

03 / Timeline

Timeline of 1971

Explore the key events that shaped Bangladesh's Liberation War.

7 March 1971

Historic March 7 Speech

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered his historic speech at the Racecourse Ground in Dhaka, inspiring the nation to prepare for the struggle for independence.

March 7 Speech
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05 / Contact & Contributions

Help Preserve History

Do you possess documents, photographs, letters, or personal stories related to the Liberation War? Contribute them to help preserve Bangladesh's historical legacy.

Email: seraotourjo@gmail.com

Phone: 01315818118

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

© 1971 Liberation War Archive | Designed by Turjo Serao