History : Scenes from March

Scenes from the heady days in March before the Pakistani Army crackdown on March 25, 1971 and the subsequent war of independence.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declaring "this struggle is our struggle for freedom" on March 7, 1971 in a historic speech.

People protesting against the ruling Pakistani Junta against police killing of students.

Barricades on the streets, March 19, 1971.

Sheikh Mujib leaving the unsuccessful meeting with Yahyah Khan on March 19, 1971.

Sheikh Mujib speaking to reporters after the meeting.

History : Scenes from March 25

On March 25, 1971 the Pakistani army started a genocidal crackdown on Bangladeshis to root out all national aspirations. Here are some scenes from the night of March 25 and the next day.

More images can be seen at The Online Genocide Museum.

History : Scenes from War

After the 9 month long struggle for independence, Bangladesh finally achieved victory on December 16, 1971 with the help of Indian troops who joined the god fight on the Bangladesh side on December 3, 1971. More information and pictures can be found in the section about the surrender.

Bangladesh officer leading surrendering Pakistani forces to the surrender ceremony.

Pakistani Army Commander in the Eastern Command, Lt. General A. A. K. Niazi, signing the Instrument of Surrender in front of General of Officer Commanding in Chief of India and Bangladesh Forces in the Eastern Theatre, Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora. 16th December, 1971

The victory wasn't without pain. Just few days before the final victory many Bangladeshi intellectuals and educators were picked up by the Pakistani army and collaborators. Nobody knew what happened to them until their bodies were discovered just outside the city a few days later.