Mitro Bahini facts for kids

Mitro Bahini (pronounced "Mit-ro Bah-hee-nee") means "Allied Forces" in the Bengali language. This was a special team-up between the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. The Mukti Bahini were brave "Freedom Fighters" from Bangladesh. They joined forces to fight against the Pakistani army that was occupying Bangladesh in 1971. This powerful alliance delivered the final push against the Pakistani army, which gave up just thirteen days after the war officially began.

The Mitro Bahini Alliance

The Mitro Bahini was a strong alliance formed during a very important time in history. It brought together two different groups with a common goal: to help Bangladesh become free. This alliance played a key role in ending the conflict quickly and successfully.

Who Were the Allies?

The Mitro Bahini was made up of two main groups:

• The Indian Army: This was the official army of India. They joined the fight to support the people of Bangladesh.
• The Mukti Bahini: These were the "Freedom Fighters" from Bangladesh. They were local people who bravely fought for their country's independence. They knew the land well and had been fighting for a while.

Why Was the Alliance Formed?

The alliance was formed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Before this war, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan wanted their own country and more rights. They faced many challenges from the Pakistani army. The Mukti Bahini had been fighting for freedom, but they needed more support. India decided to help them. By joining forces, the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini became much stronger. This made them a powerful team against the Pakistani forces.

The Final Push for Freedom

The Mitro Bahini officially started their combined operations on December 6, 1971. Their goal was to push back the Pakistani army and help Bangladesh gain independence. The Pakistani army was already tired from earlier fighting. The combined strength of the Mitro Bahini was too much for them. The alliance moved quickly and effectively. Just thirteen days after the formal declaration of war, the Pakistani army surrendered. This surrender happened on December 16, 1971. It marked the end of the war and the birth of an independent Bangladesh.

Images for kids

• 

  Location of Mitro Bahini and Pakistani units in December 1971. Some unit locations are not shown. Map not to exact scale

• 

  Location of Mitro Bahini and Pakistani units in December 1971. Some unit locations are not shown. Map not to exact scale