India-Bangladesh Maitree
Shahinul Khalisdar
Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
In 1971, the Indian Army did not have a specific force ready to attack East Pakistan, which is why India did not immediately intervene when the United Pakistan military launched Operation Searchlight in March 1971 but patiently waited. At that time, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army was focused on defending the northern and eastern borders and dealing with insurgencies in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Naxalites in West Bengal.
The Bengali terrorists, called Mukti Bahini, based in India, which were directly supported and sheltered by the Indian military and defense ministry through Operation Jackpot, fought against the United Pakistan military and pro-Pakistani such as Razakar. Al-Badr and Al-Shams were assisting the Pakistan Army in protecting big cities and fighting alongside the Indian-East Pakistan borders while the Indian military prepared for intervention.
General M. A. G. Osmani, who was my nephew within English culture as a second cousin, served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Forces. He organized the Mukti Bahini into 11 geographical sectors to improve command and control the chain of command. By December 1971, the Mukti Bahini forces numbered 30,000 trained guerrillas. The exact number has never been recorded except for the 11 sectors commanding unit who officially submitted the 30,000 trained guerrillas.
However, Bengali people from Bangladesh claim that they all fought against Pakistanis and Biharis for their Bengali nationalism, but M. A. G. Osmani said otherwise in a family conversation. It's important to note that Bangladeshi Bengalis consider me a Bihari despite my family's long and esteemed history in Sylhet for millennia.
The Indian Army Eastern Command combined the IV Corps and the XXXIII Corps for operations in Bangladesh and established a new corps (II Corps) while also reorganizing the 101 Communication Zone as a combat formation. On 21 November 1971, the Indian and Bangladesh forces were placed under a joint command structure, known as India Bangladesh forces in the eastern theatre, led by Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora. Additionally, Mukti Bahini guerrillas stationed near the border or in camps inside India were formed into infantry companies and attached to various Indian formations alongside the Border Security Force (BSF).
?India-Bangladesh Maitree
In 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi traveled to several countries, including the Soviet Union, Lebanon, Belgium, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and West Germany, to seek support for the Bengali Genocide in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during its civil war. She faced opposition from right-wing governments but received backing from left-wing governments. Though she gained international empathy for sheltering 10 million refugees and preventing the Bengali genocide in East Pakistan, there is no evidence that she provided a list of these refugees and genocide victims to the Bangladesh government or the international community, leading to speculation that the number may have been exaggerated and genocide is a fabrication to win international support.
During this period, Indira Gandhi had discussions with Tajuddin Ahmad, a key figure in the Bangladesh independence movement. She reportedly offered support for an "India-Bangladesh" federation and warned of a potential third world if Indian military intervention in East Pakistan. If he agrees, she will take the risk.? A few prominent figures, including Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain (Rtd.) Mansur Ali and A H M Quamruzzaman supported this idea, while others, such as M. A. G. Osmani, M. A. Rab, and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, opposed it.
Ultimately, Indira Gandhi and Tajuddin Ahmad agreed that after Pakistani military forces completely withdrew from Bangladesh, negotiations for a federation treaty with India would take place.
Based on this condition, India recognized Bangladesh as an independent state, formally involved in the war and established diplomatic relations with the country shortly after its independence on 6 December 1971. Bangladesh had implied recognition from India when they established their first diplomatic missions in Kolkata and Delhi in September 1971, but official recognition was formalized two months later.
The Indian military occupied East Pakistan from December 16, 1971, to March 12, 1972. On January 10, 1972, Mujib returned to Bangladesh from West Pakistan. During his journey, he made a stopover in New Delhi, where he was welcomed by Indian President V. V. Giri, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the entire Indian cabinet, and the chiefs of the armed forces. Delhi was adorned in celebration as Mujib and Gandhi spoke to a large crowd. During their meeting, Mujib expressed his gratitude to Gandhi and the Indian public. Ms. Indira Gandhi's personal secretary (PS) informed Mujib about Ms. Indira Gandhi and Tajuddin Ahmad's commitment, to which Mujib nodded.
After a few days upon Mujib's arrival in Dhaka, M. A. G. Osmani, M. A. Rab, and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad pressured Mujib to withdraw the Indian military from Bangladesh. After continued conversations between Mujib and Ms. Indira Gandhi and the re-establishment of communication with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who threatened to go to the "Security Council," both parties finally agreed on the Indian military withdrawal and Ms. Indira Gandhi's state visit to Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh leader praised the Indians for helping the Bengali guerrillas during the nine-month revolution for democracy. “You trained them and gave them arms,” Sheikh Mujib said. Our country had no fighting machine, and you came to our help.” Now, Bangladesh has an army to defend itself (12,000 to 15,000 men, mostly from the former Pakistani Army units of the East Bengali Regiment and the East Pakistani Rifles). It would be best if you left Bangladesh now.
DHAKA, Bangladesh, March 12 (AP)—The Indian Army conducted a ceremonial retreat from Bangladesh today, bidding farewell to the nation it helped to establish.
The Indian army completed its withdrawal from independent Bangladesh as the last contingent of Indian army personnel left Dhaka for India today. The final pull-out commenced on March 12 following a ceremonial farewell parade at Dhaka Stadium.
A Joint Declaration was issued at the conclusion of the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, to Bangladesh. This occurred in Dacca on March 19, 1972.?
From March 17th to 19th, 1972, the Prime Minister of India, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, visited Dacca at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Accompanying the Indian Prime Minister were several officials, including the Foreign Minister Sardar Swaran Singh, Professor S. Chakravarty, Member of the Planning Commission, and others. During her visit, the Prime Minister addressed a public meeting and received a civic reception. Discussions of mutual interest took place at various levels. The Indian Foreign Minister also held separate talks with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Abdus Samad Azad, on bilateral relations and the international situation. The visit provided an opportunity for substantive discussions on all aspects of relations between the two countries and to review the international situation. Additionally, there were official-level talks on political matters with representatives from both Bangladesh and India present.?
During the talks on economic matters, the Bangladesh side was represented by Dr. Nurul Islam, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission; Dr. Musharraf Hussain, Member of the Planning Commission; Prof. Rehman Sobhan, Member of Planning Commission; Mr. Matiul Islam, Finance Secretary; Mr. B.M. Abbas, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Irrigation and Flood Control. Mr. Nur Mohammad, Commerce Secretary, Mr. A. Samad, Transport Secretary, Mr. Al-Hussainy, Secretary, Power and Irrigation, and other officials.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed admiration for the Indian armed forces for their sacrifices in fighting alongside the Mukti Bahini to end Pakistan's colonial rule in Bangladesh. He also mentioned the behavior of the Indian troops during their stay in Bangladesh. The last units of the Indian armed forces withdrew earlier than the agreed deadline upon accomplishing their mission.
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Reviewing the international situation with particular reference to recent developments in Asia, the two Prime Ministers took note of the forces threatening the security, stability, and territorial integrity of countries in the region. They affirmed their solidarity in resisting these forces and expressed confidence that the friendship between the peoples of India and Bangladesh would effectively counter efforts by interested countries to reverse the course of history.
In this context, the two Prime Ministers declared their determination to continue adhering to the policy of non-alignment. They decided to sign a Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Peace and agreed to regular consultations between the officials of various ministries.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh drew attention to the plight of the Bangalee population in Pakistan and emphasized the imperative need for their early repatriation. The Prime Minister of India assured the Government of Bangladesh of all assistance in facilitating the process, particularly with transit facilities for repatriation.
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh informed the Prime Minister of India about the measures taken by the Government of Bangladesh to expedite the trials of members of Pakistani armed forces and civil servants accused of committing war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity in Bangladesh in line with international law. Both Prime Ministers expressed hope that the trials would lead to the prosecution of the guilty individuals and highlight the extent of the suffering endured by the people of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister of India pledged full cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh in bringing those responsible to justice. Additionally, the two Prime Ministers agreed that seriously ill and wounded prisoners of war who are not guilty of war crimes would be repatriated to Pakistan as a matter of priority through mutual consent.
On Bangladesh's aspiration for UN membership, the Prime Minister of India assured the Government of Bangladesh of India's full support and cooperation for its admission to the United Nations and other U.N. agencies, emphasizing the potential positive impact of Bangladesh's joining the UN on promoting world peace and ensuring stability in South Asia.
Furthermore, both leaders declared the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean area free from major power rivalries and military competition, opposing the establishment of land, air, and naval bases in the region. They emphasized that this approach is crucial for guaranteeing freedom of navigation and safety of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, which is vital for the development and stability of the coastal countries. The two Prime Ministers also expressed their determination to work towards establishing the Indian Ocean area as a nuclear-free zone.
In line with the decisions made during the meetings of the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh and India in January 1972 and subsequent discussions of the Prime Ministers in February 1972 to enhance economic and developmental cooperation, the two Prime Ministers made the following decisions:
(a) ?????? To establish a Joint Rivers Commission comprising experts from both countries on a permanent basis to carry out a comprehensive survey of the river systems shared by the two countries, formulate projects concerning both countries in the field of flood control, and implement them.
??????????? The two countries' experts are directed to formulate detailed proposals on advance flood warnings and flood forecasting, study flood control and irrigation projects on the major river systems and examine the feasibility of linking the power grids of Bangladesh with the adjoining areas of India so that the region's water resources can be utilized on an equitable basis for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
(b) ????? The Prime Minister of Bangladesh expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of India for the economic assistance extended so far and for assurances of future assistance according to the requirements of Bangladesh. The two Prime Ministers reviewed the progress of deliveries of supplies of foodgrains and other commodities under the economic assistance program and recognized the need to accelerate deliveries under this program in view of the urgent economic need of the rehabilitation program in Bangladesh.
(c) ?????? Both the Prime Ministers approved the principles of the revival of transit trade and the agreement on border trade.
They directed that these agreements, as well as the general trade and Payment agreements, should be signed by the end of March 1972.
Keeping in view the important role that science and technology play in accelerating economic and social development, the two Prime Ministers directed that experts and officials of the governments of Bangladesh and India shall have consultations and exchange information on
(i)???????? Peaceful uses of nuclear energy,
(ii) ????? Technological and scientific research for industrial development,
(iii) ???? Utilisation of future space research for communication purposes.
??????????? Both the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh acknowledged the historical and cultural connections between the two nations and agreed that appropriate measures should be taken to enhance cultural relations. They directed the relevant authorities to initiate discussions for a bilateral agreement on cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation. Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made and hoped that the agreements reached during their discussions would establish a strong foundation for cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister of India expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown during her visit to Bangladesh, and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh was pleased with the visit. Both leaders expressed the belief that the bond of friendship established during Bangladesh's freedom struggle would continue to contribute to peace and progress in Asia and the world.
Between 1969 and 1972, all Bengalis chanted the slogan "Joy India-Bangladesh Maitree." Most Bengali leaders agreed on the idea of an India-Bangladesh Federation or Confederation, with the exception of M. A. G. Osmani, M. A. Rab, and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad. However, they have since passed away. Now, discussions about the political formation of an India-Bangladesh Federation or Confederation can be initiated without objection.