Page 30 - Memory of the World filled with Color_revised Edition_online

Struggles for Democracy, 56 57

Non-Violence Movements and
Right for Self-Determination

The end of the British colonial rule (1947) aroused the establishment of Hindu-based India
and Muslim-based Pakistan. Holding religious ties as Muslims, the liberated Bengalies joined
as East Pakistan despite their distance in multiple aspects such as culture, ethnicity, and
physical space of 1200km with India in-between. West Pakistan’s autocratic domination over
East Pakistan initiated severe marginalization over the Bengalis. This was the start fire for
Bengali democratic movements, and under the leadership of Sheikh Mujib, a peaceful, non-
violent movement united the whole nation. Bengali people struggled together to earn their
democratic rights and self-determination. But military rulers were not ready for the transition to
democracy. From this comprehensive background, the speech of 7th March aroused, holding
direct content to overcome the encountered situation. However, brutal histories continued,
especially as the Pakistan Army launched their genocidal attacks on 25th March 1971, not far
after the speech. The genocide was a turning point for Bengalis transitioning from non-violent,
peaceful movements to armed resistance under the right of self-determination. The following
day, Sheikh Mujib declared the independence of Bangladesh, which led to the nine-month
Bangladesh Liberation War, resulting in Bangladesh as an independent state with the defeat
of the Pakistan Army.

Embracement and Cohesion

During their status as East Pakistan, Bengali people underwent numerous
alienation and discrimination by West Pakistan parties in political, economic,
social, and cultural aspects. Accumulating grave divisions, it was also a
point where the Bengalies realized that their rights and values could not
be fully guaranteed within the Pakistani system. The urge for freedom and
democratic society sprouted throughout the public. It was an important
moment showing that the embracement and inclusion of different social
groups hold vital significance for a nation to stand fully. Mujib’s speech well
represents liberal values and emphasizes the need for cohesion. He delivers
a statement that all members of society, whether Bengali or not, should all be
united and embraced. In other words, inequality must be eased within and
amongst communities. The message of this historic speech is still relevant
today for countries around the world who fail to establish an inclusive
democratic society that effectively addresses the political, economic, and
socio-cultural aspirations of various ethnic, linguistic, cultural, or religious
groups within their territory.

The Emergence of Bangladesh ↓Click!

and the Speech Today

The world focused its attention on Mujib as he addressed his speech
in Dhaka on 7th March. International press members rushed to the
capital city, and diplomats engaged in the behind scene talk. With the
speech capturing a pivotal moment to the international society, the
later outbreak of the genocide and war assembled global solidarity
to confront inhuman actions and protect fundamental human rights.
Tragic but fierce movements were compensated with the independent
state of Bangladesh in December 1971, with adopting a constitution the
following year that reflects many internationally treasured values.