Causes of Disenchantment of Bengalis from Pakistan
The disenchantment of Bengalis from Pakistan, particularly in East Pakistan, stemmed from
a series of economic, political, and cultural injustices that led to a sense of alienation and
ultimately resulted in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
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1. Economic Disparities
Unequal Allocation of Resources: West Pakistan dominated the economic policies, resulting
in severe neglect of East Pakistan. Although East Pakistan contributed more than 50% of the
total exports (primarily through jute), only a small percentage of resources were reinvested in
its development.
Industrial Neglect: Industrial development was concentrated in West Pakistan, leaving East
Pakistan underdeveloped.
Budget Allocation: Out of the national budget, East Pakistan received less than 30% of
funds, despite having a larger population.
2. Political Marginalization
Lack of Representation: Bengalis, despite forming the majority population, were
underrepresented in the military and bureaucracy.
Language Controversy (1948): The imposition of Urdu as the national language led to
massive protests in East Pakistan, as Bengali was the mother tongue of the majority. This
fueled resentment and cultural alienation.
Centralized Governance: The political system favored West Pakistani elites, sidelining
Bengali leadership. The central government's unwillingness to devolve power deepened the
divide.
3. Role of the 1970 General Elections
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won a landslide victory, securing 167 of 313 seats,
giving them a majority in the National Assembly.
Denial of Power: West Pakistani leaders, particularly Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and military elites,
refused to transfer power to the Awami League, triggering widespread unrest in East
Pakistan.
4. Cultural Alienation
Neglect of Bengali Identity: The central government’s emphasis on Islamic identity
undermined the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Bengalis.
Discrimination in Education and Media: Bengali language and culture were systematically
marginalized in educational curricula and media representation.
5. Military Repression
Operation Searchlight (March 1971): The Pakistan Army launched a brutal military
crackdown on Dhaka and other parts of East Pakistan, killing thousands of civilians.
Human Rights Violations: Mass killings, rapes, and forced displacements alienated the
Bengali population further.
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Role of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in East Pakistan Crisis
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto played a controversial role in the East Pakistan crisis, often accused of
prioritizing his political ambitions over national unity.
1. Rejection of Awami League’s Victory:
Bhutto refused to accept Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as Prime Minister, despite the Awami
League’s majority.
He threatened to boycott the National Assembly if Mujib was given power, contributing to the
political deadlock.
2. Alliance with the Military:
Bhutto supported the military's stance against transferring power to East Pakistan, indirectly
endorsing the use of force.
He prioritized his position in West Pakistan over national reconciliation.
3. Role During Civil War:
Bhutto’s lack of urgency in addressing the civil unrest in East Pakistan further escalated
tensions.
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Circumstances Leading to the Dismissal of Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government faced increasing challenges due to economic instability,
political opposition, and allegations of authoritarianism.
1. Controversial 1977 Elections:
Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was accused of widespread electoral fraud during
the 1977 general elections, leading to mass protests by the opposition alliance, Pakistan
National Alliance (PNA).
2. Economic Challenges:
Inflation, unemployment, and declining industrial growth led to widespread public
dissatisfaction.
3. Military Discontent:
Bhutto’s strained relations with the military leadership, particularly General Zia-ul-Haq,
created an environment for his dismissal.
4. Martial Law (July 5, 1977):
General Zia-ul-Haq overthrew Bhutto’s government, citing the need to restore order and
address the political crisis.
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Fundamental Rights in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan
The 1973 Constitution guarantees a comprehensive set of fundamental rights to all citizens
of Pakistan. These rights aim to ensure equality, justice, and freedom.
1. Right to Equality:
All citizens are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection under it (Article 25).
2. Freedom of Speech and Expression:
Every citizen has the right to express their views freely, subject to reasonable restrictions
(Article 19).
3. Right to Education:
Free and compulsory education for children aged 5-16 years (Article 25-A).
4. Freedom of Religion:
Citizens are free to profess, practice, and propagate their religion (Article 20).
5. Protection Against Exploitation:
Prohibition of forced labor and child labor (Article 11).
6. Right to Fair Trial:
No person shall be deprived of life or liberty without due process of law (Article 10-A).
7. Protection of Property:
Citizens cannot be deprived of their property except in accordance with the law (Article 24).
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How Zia-ul-Haq Used Islam to Prolong His Rule
General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988) extensively used Islamization as a tool to legitimize his
military regime and consolidate his power.
1. Introduction of Sharia Laws:
Zia introduced Islamic laws, including Hudood Ordinances, Qisas and Diyat laws, and
punishments like flogging, to portray himself as a champion of Islam.
2. Economic Islamization:
Interest-free banking was introduced to align the economy with Islamic principles.
3. Educational Reforms:
Curriculum changes emphasized Islamic teachings and the glorification of Zia’s regime.
4. Islamic Advisory Council:
The Federal Shariat Court and Council of Islamic Ideology were empowered to ensure laws
conformed to Islamic principles.
5. Propaganda Through Media:
State-controlled media promoted Zia’s Islamization policies, presenting him as a devout
Muslim leader.
6. Suppression of Opposition:
Zia used Islam to delegitimize political opponents by accusing them of being un-Islamic.
7. Strategic Alliances:
Zia's alliance with the United States during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979) was framed as a
"jihad," enhancing his Islamic credentials.
Impact:
While Zia’s policies entrenched Islamic practices in governance, they also increased
sectarian tensions, curtailed democratic freedoms, and fostered extremism.
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Conclusion
The disenchantment of Bengalis, fueled by economic and political injustices, led to the tragic
disintegration of Pakistan. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s political maneuvering exacerbated the crisis,
and his eventual downfall reflected the growing instability in the country. The fundamental
rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution represented a milestone in democratic governance,
though their implementation remains inconsistent. General Zia-ul-Haq’s use of Islam for
political survival had long-term consequences, shaping Pakistan's sociopolitical landscape
for decades.
