The disintegration of Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 is the sad story of the Pakistan Army generals' misconception about their role as 'guardians of national interests', and the dubious role played by the two leading politicians of the day - Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Mujibur Rahman. Could the tragedy of 1971 have been avoided by statemanship and moderation on the part of the three parties (Yahya, Mujib and Bhutto) involved in the final dialogue for a political solution? Was Indian involvement guided solely by humanitarian considerations or was it seeking an opportunity to destroy its `enemy number one'? What were the international implications of the crisis? These and similar questions are discussed and analysed by Dr Choudhury in this thought-provoking account of the great tragedy of 1971.
The plan to transfer power to the elected representatives of the people after twelve years of dictatorship was a dismal failure, resulting in the tragic civil war of 1971 and the break-up of Pakistan. From his unique personal experience, Dr Choudhury describes and analyses the internal and external developments from the fall of Ayub Khan in March 1969 to the fall of Dhaka in December 1971.
The plan to transfer power to the elected representatives of the people after twelve years of dictatorship was a dismal failure, resulting in the tragic civil war of 1971 and the break-up of Pakistan. From his unique personal experience, Dr Choudhury describes and analyses the internal and external developments from the fall of Ayub Khan in March 1969 to the fall of Dhaka in December 1971.