Blood and Birth:
The Bengali Fight for Freedom in 1971
This text tells the story of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War through a series of fictionalised radio announcements and conversations between a father and child. The announcements and conversations highlight key events, such as the Bhola cyclone, the rise of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Operation Searchlight. The excerpt also touches on India’s intervention in the war and the role played by the United States and the Soviet Union. Ultimately, the story celebrates the birth of Bangladesh while acknowledging the lasting impact of the conflict.
**All India Radio Announcement** (Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Female Announcer: Good morning, listeners. This is All India Radio. We have some grave news this morning. The situation in East Pakistan is deteriorating as reports of escalating violence continue to emerge…
Father: Denzil, come here. Listen to this.
Denzil: What’s happening, Thaththa?
Father: It’s about East Pakistan. There’s been tension between East and West Pakistan for years. They’re part of the same country but are very different culturally and geographically.
**BBC Radio Announcement** (Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Male Announcer: This is the BBC World Service. The crisis in East Pakistan continues to escalate. In November 1970, the Bhola cyclone devastated East Pakistan, claiming an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 lives. The response from West Pakistan was seen as inadequate, exacerbating existing resentment…
Father: Denzil, the cyclone and the lack of help from West Pakistan have worsened things. And now, there’s been a general election where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won a majority. They want autonomy for East Pakistan.
Denzil: So, what’s the problem?
Father: The problem is that West Pakistan, led by General Yahya Khan, won’t accept the election results. They won’t let Mujibur form a government.
**All India Radio Announcement** (Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Female Announcer: This just in. Civil disobedience has erupted in East Pakistan. Yahya Khan has deployed troops, initiating “Operation Searchlight.” This military crackdown has resulted in widespread violence and the massacre of thousands of Bengali civilians, intellectuals, and students…
Father: It’s getting worse, Denzil. The military is cracking down on the people. There’s much violence.
**BBC Radio Announcement**
(Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Male Announcer: The conflict in East Pakistan has led to a massive refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighbouring India. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has ordered Indian forces to intervene…
Father: India is getting involved now. They’re trying to help the people of East Pakistan.
**All India Radio Announcement** (Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Female Announcer: As Indian troops advance, liberating East Pakistani territory, the United States has dispatched the Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise…
Father: The US is trying to intimidate India and support West Pakistan. However, the Soviet Union is mobilising its naval forces in the Indian Ocean to counter the American presence.
**BBC Radio Announcement**
(Sound of crackling radio static on shortwave)
Male Announcer: The Pakistani forces in East Pakistan have surrendered. The independent nation of Bangladesh has been born…
Father: It’s over, Denzil. East Pakistan is now the independent nation of Bangladesh. But this conflict has left a mark on the history of the Indian subcontinent.
