The Independence Day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Pakistan in the late hours of 25 March, 1971.

Short History:

Once after the 1970 Pakistan Elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman linguistically and culturally of Bangla background, then head of the largest political party of Pakistan, the Awami League, had won with a clear majority, the Pakistan establishment was not willing to hand over power or be led by Mujib.

When all indications gradually surfaced crystal clear, promises given were not followed through, the whole nation of Bangla speaking Muslims and Hindus of East Pakistan dived into the spirit and vibe of a real struggle. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered an emotion loaded angry speech as response filled with warnings of a struggle for independence, displaying his strength of political control over society.

Initially the Pakistan authorities called curfews, paved way for huge influx of military hardware and personnel from western Pakistan by sea and air. Pakistan authorities also blocked supplies going to the general population. Killings and destruction of property was on a climatic rise around the main port cities of Khulna and Chittagong and other important economic points of trade and education. Police and the military units were deployed in numerous areas of the country. Pakistan Urdu and Punjabi speaking personnel rounded up Bangla speaking armed forces officers, nco's and enlisted personnel. Forced disappearances went rampant.

On the 25th of March evening in an interview with David Frost, Sheikh Mujib still called out openly for negotiation and a united Pakistan. That night the Pakistan army spilled out to the streets killing and destroying everything on sight. It was official, they were not ready for a peaceful transfer of political power to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The people of then independence declared Bangladesh took part in this war to be a separate nation independent from Pakistan. Independence for Bangladesh was gained through a nine-month guerilla war against the Pakistan Army, and their collaborators (commonly known as Razakars) which resulted in the loss of about 3 million lives. The Bangladesh Forces, later with military support from India, defeated the Pakistan Army ending the war on 16 December in the same year.

Credit: Wikipedia