Mukti Bahini facts for kids
The Mukti Bahini (which means "Liberation Army" in Bengali) was a brave group of fighters from what was then called East Pakistan. They stood up against the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Their main goal was to make East Pakistan an independent country, which is now known as Bangladesh.
Contents
Mukti Bahini: Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh
The Mukti Bahini was a special military force made up mostly of Bengali people. These fighters were determined to free their homeland from the control of West Pakistan. They played a very important role in the war that led to the birth of Bangladesh.
What Was the Mukti Bahini?
The Mukti Bahini was formed during the 1971 war. It was not a regular army at first. Instead, it was a group of armed citizens and former soldiers. They came together to fight for their freedom. Many people from all walks of life joined the Mukti Bahini. They believed strongly in an independent Bangladesh.
The Fight for Independence
The Mukti Bahini fought bravely against the Pakistan Army. This army was much larger and better equipped. The war was a very difficult time for the people of East Pakistan. The Mukti Bahini used different fighting methods. They often used surprise attacks, which are called guerrilla tactics.
How the War Started
The conflict began because of deep disagreements between East and West Pakistan. People in East Pakistan felt they were not treated fairly. They wanted more control over their own lives and government. When talks failed, the Pakistan Army started a harsh crackdown in East Pakistan. This led many people to join the Mukti Bahini.
India's Role
As the war continued, India also became involved. India supported the Mukti Bahini and the people of East Pakistan. The Indian Army joined forces with the Mukti Bahini. Together, they fought against the West Pakistani forces. This alliance helped to speed up the end of the war.
After the War
The Bangladesh Liberation War ended on December 16, 1971. This was when the Pakistan Army surrendered. East Pakistan then became an independent country. It was named Bangladesh. The Mukti Bahini's efforts were key to achieving this freedom. Today, the Mukti Bahini are remembered as heroes in Bangladesh. They fought for their nation's independence and identity.
Images for kids
-
Location of West Pakistani (marked green) and rebel Bangladeshi (marked red) military units in March 1971.
-
Italian howitzers used by the Mujib Battery; now preserved at the Bangladesh Military Museum.
-
Pakistan's Lt. Gen. A. A. K. Niazi signing the Pakistani Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka on 16 December 1971, in the presence of India's Lt. Gen. Aurora. Standing behind them are various officers from India's Army, Navy and Air Force.
-
Aparajeyo Bangla (Invincible Bengal) was finished on 16 December 1978 by Syed Abdullah Khalid at University of Dhaka Campus, is a Monument to Mukti Bahini.
-
The National Martyrs' Memorial in Bangladesh
