Nine months of war. The birth of a nation.
From Partition and the Language Movement, through the 266 days of 1971, to the first years of a new country. Read it through the days, the people and the documents.
Read by era
Twenty-eight years of history in four parts. Start anywhere.
Partition to the Language Movement
East Bengal politics, the demand for Bangla as a state language, and 21 February.
Towards self-rule
The United Front victory, the Six Points and the 1969 mass uprising.
Election and the Liberation War
The 1970 election, the 25 March massacre and nine months of war.
A new state
The constitution, rebuilding a war-torn country and the events of 1975.
Six days of 1971
The days that set the course of the war.
The Racecourse speech
"The struggle this time is the struggle for our freedom, the struggle this time is the struggle for independence."
25 MarchOperation Searchlight
The Pakistan Army begins a planned massacre in Dhaka.
26 MarchDeclaration of independence
Observed as Independence Day.
17 AprilThe Mujibnagar oath
Bangladesh's first government takes oath at Baidyanathtala, Meherpur.
14 DecemberKilling of intellectuals
Days before victory, teachers, writers and doctors are abducted and killed.
16 DecemberVictory
Pakistani forces surrender at the Racecourse in Dhaka.