Zamindari System

The Zamindari System was a key land revenue system introduced by the British in India under the
Permanent Settlement Act of 1793, initiated by Lord Cornwallis who was the first Governor of
that time of East India Company. Under this system, Zamindars collected taxes from Peasants and
paid a fixed revenue to the British East India Company which was the first multi-national company
in world’s history. While zamindars gained ownership of the land, peasants were left vulnerable to
heavy taxation and exploitation. This system led to economic disparities and the oppression of
farmers.

Reasons for Abolition :

After independence in 1947, the Indian and Pakistani governments recognized that the Zamindari
system was a major obstacle to agricultural development and social equality. The system created
land concentration in the hands of a few elites, while millions of peasants remained landless and
impoverished. To promote agrarian reforms, various laws were passed to abolish the system.

Abolition in India and Bangladesh:

In India, the Zamindari Abolition Acts were passed in the 1950s, first in Uttar Pradesh and later
across other states. Land was redistributed to tenant farmers.
In East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), the East Bengal State Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950
was enacted, effectively abolishing zamindari. All intermediary landowners lost control over their
estates, and land was transferred to actual cultivators.

Impact of Abolition:
1. Farmers gained land ownership, improving their economic stability.
2. End of feudal exploitation, reducing forced labor and high taxation.
3. Increase in agricultural productivity, as cultivators directly benefited from their work.
4. Decline of absentee landlordism, ensuring land was actively used for farming.
The abolition of the Zamindari system had a positive impact on agriculture, ensuring fairer land
distribution and improving productivity.

Conclusion :
The Zamindari system caused peasant exploitation and economic disparity. Its abolition
empowered farmers and promoted land reforms, despite challenges like land fragmentation. It
remains a key step in agrarian justice.
 Language Movement

The Language Movement in Pakistan, particularly in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), was a
struggle against the imposition of Urdu as the sole national language by the central government.
The movement can be viewed as a form of counter-governmentality, challenging state authority
and the marginalization of regional identities. Here are some key points about Language
Movement in Pakistan :

Context: After Pakistan’s creation in 1947, the government in West Pakistan pushed for Urdu to
be the only official language, disregarding the linguistic majority in East Pakistan, where Bengali
was spoken.
Urdu Imposition: The central government in West Pakistan sought to make Urdu the sole national
language, sidelining Bengali, which sparked tensions.
Protests: In 1952, students and activists in Dhaka protested to demand the recognition of Bengali
as an official language. The government’s refusal to accommodate their demands fueled tensions.
February 21, 1952: The movement culminated in the tragic events when police opened fire on
peaceful protesters, killing several students. This day is now remembered as International Mother
Language Day.
Police Brutality: On February 21, 1952, police opened fire on peaceful protesters, resulting in
several deaths, which galvanized the movement.
Counter-Governmentality: The movement represented a form of resistance against the central
government's dominance and its disregard for regional linguistic and cultural identities.
Bengali Recognition: The movement ultimately led to the recognition of Bengali as one of
Pakistan's official languages.
Cultural Impact: The struggle for linguistic rights became a symbol of broader regional autonomy,
contributing to the development of Bengali national identity.
Long-Term Consequences: The Language Movement played a significant role in the eventual
secession of East Pakistan in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Legacy: The movement contributed to the rise of tensions that would later lead to the secession of
East Pakistan in 1971, and the creation of Bangladesh. It remains a powerful symbol of linguistic
and cultural rights.

Conclusion :
The Language Movement was a crucial struggle for linguistic and cultural recognition, leading to
the official recognition of Bengali and fostering regional autonomy. Its legacy shaped the creation
of Bangladesh in 1971 and remains a symbol of resistance and the importance of preserving
cultural diversity.
Why did Jukto Front fail as a Coalition Government ?

Jukto Front :
The Jukto Front (United Front) was a political alliance formed in 1954 in East Pakistan, consisting
of Bengali nationalist parties like the Awami League. It aimed to challenge the central
government's policies, particularly the refusal to recognize Bengali as an official language and to
demand greater autonomy for East Pakistan. The alliance gained significant support but failed due
to internal divisions, weak leadership, and pressure from the central government.

Reasons for failing:

The Jukto Front, a political alliance formed in 1954 in East Pakistan, failed as a coalition
government due to several key factors. The alliance was initially created to challenge the central
government's policies, particularly the imposition of Urdu over Bengali, and to advocate for
regional autonomy. However, its collapse can be attributed to internal divisions, external pressures,
and leadership struggles.

 Internal Disunity: The Jukto Front was composed of various political parties with differing
ideologies, including the Awami League, the Krishak Sramik Party, and others. These
parties had conflicting priorities, such as the Awami League's focus on the autonomy of
East Pakistan, while others prioritized economic and social reforms. This lack of a unified
vision led to difficulties in governance and coordination.
 Weak Leadership: The Jukto Front lacked a strong, charismatic leader capable of holding
the diverse factions together. Leadership struggles and disagreements over the direction of
the alliance further weakened its stability. The absence of a cohesive leadership structure
made it difficult to address key issues and make decisive decisions.
 Pressure from the Central Government: The central government in West Pakistan, led by
the Muslim League, viewed the Jukto Front as a challenge to its authority. The
government’s refusal to concede to the demands for greater autonomy and linguistic rights
in East Pakistan put immense pressure on the coalition, which struggled to navigate these
tensions.
 Electoral Defeat: In the 1954 elections, the Jukto Front won a significant number of seats,
but the central government’s manipulation of political processes and lack of support for
the coalition led to its eventual failure.
In summary, the Jukto Front’s failure as a coalition government was due to internal divisions, weak
leadership, and external political pressures from the central government.

Conclusion:
The Jukto Front symbolized Bengali nationalism but failed due to internal conflicts and central
government pressure. Its legacy influenced the eventual creation of Bangladesh.
 The Constituent Assembly (1956)

The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan (1956) played a crucial role in shaping the country’s first
constitution. After Pakistan’s creation in 1947, the government operated under the Government of
India Act 1935, as no formal constitution was in place. The first Constituent Assembly, formed in
1947, struggled with delays and was eventually dissolved in 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam
Muhammad. A second Constituent Assembly was formed in 1955, which successfully drafted and
enacted Pakistan’s first constitution on March 23, 1956, officially declaring the country a republic.

Key Features of the 1956 Constitution:

Islamic Republic – Pakistan was declared the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, making Islam the
official religion.
Parliamentary System – The constitution established a parliamentary democracy, where the
President was the head of state and the Prime Minister was the head of government.
Unicameral Legislature – A single-house National Assembly was introduced, with representation
based on population.
Bengali and Urdu as Official Languages – The constitution recognized both Bengali and Urdu as
national languages, resolving the language dispute.
Fundamental Rights – It guaranteed basic rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and
equality before the law.
Provincial Autonomy – The provinces were granted some degree of self-governance, though the
central government retained strong control.

Challenges and Failure:

Despite being a significant milestone, the 1956 Constitution failed to provide long-term stability
due to political instability and power struggles. The weak democratic framework, conflicts
between East and West Pakistan, and tensions between civilian and military leadership made
governance difficult. In 1958, just two years after its enactment, the constitution was abrogated
when President Iskander Mirza declared martial law, and General Ayub Khan took over, marking
the beginning of military rule.

Conclusion:
The Constituent Assembly of 1956 successfully drafted Pakistan’s first constitution, establishing
it as an Islamic republic with a parliamentary system. However, political instability and military
intervention led to its downfall in 1958. Despite its short lifespan, it played a crucial role in
Pakistan’s constitutional development, influencing later political and legal frameworks.
 The Two Economy System

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Six-Point Movement (1966) was a political program aimed at
achieving greater autonomy for East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from West Pakistan. One of its
key components was the "Two Economy System."

Explanation of the Two Economy System:

Sheikh Mujib proposed that East and West Pakistan should have separate economic systems
instead of being governed by a centralized economic policy.

This was based on the fact that East Pakistan contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economy
(mainly through jute exports) but received very little in return.

He demanded that East Pakistan should have control over its own economy, trade, and taxation,
preventing West Pakistan from exploiting its resources.

Key Economic Points from the Six-Point Movement:

1. Separate currency or financial system for East Pakistan to prevent economic exploitation.

2. Control over taxation and revenue collection should rest with federating units (provinces), not
the central government.

3. Separate foreign exchange reserves so that East Pakistan could independently manage its trade
and economy.

Impact of This Demand:

The demand for a Two Economy System was a direct challenge to Pakistan’s centralized
economic structure, which was biased in favor of West Pakistan.
West Pakistani elites saw it as a step toward secession, which ultimately led to tensions, political
unrest, and the Liberation War of 1971. This economic demand was a major factor in the
growing nationalist movement that resulted in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971 .

Conclusion

The Two Economy System exposed economic disparities and fueled East Pakistan’s demand for
autonomy. West Pakistan’s refusal led to rising tensions, contributing to the Liberation War of
1971 and Bangladesh’s independence.
1969 Uprising and Comparison with 1990 & 2024
The 1969 uprising in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was a mass political movement against the
military dictatorship of Field Marshal Ayub Khan. It was driven by economic disparity, political
suppression, and demands for democracy. The movement, primarily led by students, workers, and
opposition political parties, gained momentum due to widespread discontent over Ayub Khan’s
authoritarian rule and the growing demand for Bengali autonomy. The uprising forced Ayub Khan
to resign on March 25, 1969, handing power to General Yahya Khan, who later conducted the 1970
elections—the last before Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

Comparison :
Aspect 1969 Uprising 1990 Movement 2024 Protests
Cause Opposition to Ayub Movement against Political instability,
khan’s dictatorship, General Ershad’s governance issues,
economic disparity, military rule and and economic crises
and demand for demand for
democracy democracy
Key Players Students, Opposition Students, Opposition Students, Political
parties parties and general parties, Youth
public activists and social
media movements
Protest Methods Mass demonstrations, Peaceful protests, Digital activism,
strikes, violent strikes, civil street protests, legal
clashes disobedience battles
Outcome Ayub Khan resigned, Ershad resigned, Sheikh Hasina
military rule Bangladesh restored resigned, formation of
continued under democracy Interim Government
Yahya Khan and Political
reformation
Impact Led to 1970 elections, Strengthened Reformed politics and
eventually democratic scheduled for
contributed to institutions, led to democratic elections
Bangladesh’s parliamentary rule
independence

Conclusion :
The 1969 uprising played a key role in toppling Ayub Khan and setting the stage for Bangladesh’s
independence. The 1990 movement successfully restored democracy by ending military rule. The
2024 protests, still ongoing, reflect a modern struggle for political stability, influenced by
economic issues and governance concerns. Each movement, though different in context, highlights
the recurring theme of public resistance against authoritarianism and misrule.
 The Election of 1970

The 1970 Election in Pakistan was a landmark event in the country’s history, marking the first
general election held under universal suffrage. It was the first election after the military coup of
1971, and it was intended to select members for Pakistan’s National Assembly. The results of the
election had profound political consequences, eventually leading to the secession of East Pakistan
and the creation of Bangladesh.

Context and Background :

After the 1969 uprising, Field Marshal Ayub Khan was forced to resign, and General Yahya Khan
assumed power. Yahya promised to restore democracy and held elections in December 1970. These
elections were supposed to create a new political system that represented both East and West
Pakistan, but tensions between the two regions had been growing, especially regarding economic
disparities and the language issue. The election was a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for
political representation and autonomy in East Pakistan, where the majority population spoke
Bengali, while the central government in West Pakistan, dominated by the Punjabi elite, controlled
the political power.

Key Parties and Leaders : Two main political parties dominated the 1970 election:
Awami League (AL): Led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League was based in East
Pakistan and campaigned for regional autonomy and Bengali rights. Its main platform was the Six-
Point Movement, which advocated for greater autonomy for East Pakistan, particularly in
economic and political matters.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): Led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the PPP was based in West Pakistan and
campaigned for a more centralized government, seeking to maintain the unity of Pakistan under a
strong federal structure.

Election Results :
The results of the election were a decisive victory for the Awami League, which won an
overwhelming majority of the seats in the National Assembly, securing 160 out of 162 seats in East
Pakistan. This gave the Awami League a clear majority in the 300-seat assembly, making it the
dominant party in the country. On the other hand, the PPP won a majority of seats in West Pakistan
but was far behind in East Pakistan. However, Yahya Khan and the ruling elite in West Pakistan
were unwilling to hand over power to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Conclusion:
The 1970 election exposed Pakistan's regional divide. The refusal to honor the results led to unrest
and the creation of Bangladesh.
Comparison Among Leaders :
The leaders Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, Abdul Hamed Khan Bhashani, Shaheed Suhrawardy, Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, Tajuddin Ahmed, and Ziaur Rahman all played significant roles in the political
landscape of Bangladesh and Pakistan. They each contributed to the country's history, yet had
differing ideologies, leadership styles, and political goals.

Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq : A prominent leader from East Bengal, Haque served as the Prime
Minister of Bengal. Known for his moderate stance, he was an advocate for Bengali identity and
regional autonomy within Pakistan. His legacy lies in his efforts to push for Bengali rights during
the early stages of Pakistan's formation, particularly during the Language Movement.
Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani : A left-wing leader, Bhashani was a strong advocate of Bengali
nationalism and socialist principles. He played a significant role in the Awami League and was
known for his mass mobilization efforts and commitment to Bengali rights. He supported
Bangladesh's independence and was a vocal critic of the central government’s policies toward East
Pakistan.
Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy : Suhrawardy, a progressive leader, served as Pakistan's Prime
Minister. He was committed to a secular, democratic vision for Pakistan. Suhrawardy was an
advocate for East Pakistan’s rights, promoting democracy and secularism, which aligned with the
aspirations of the Bengali people. His leadership was instrumental in fostering regional autonomy.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman : The founding father of Bangladesh, Rahman was the leader of the
Awami League and the most prominent figure in the Bangladesh Liberation War. His Six-Point
Movement for Bengali autonomy was central to the push for independence. Rahman’s leadership
and vision were crucial to Bangladesh’s creation in 1971, and he remains a symbol of Bengali
nationalism.
Tajuddin Ahmad : Tajuddin Ahmad, the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh after independence,
was a close ally of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His organizational skills and leadership during the
Bangladesh Liberation War were crucial in managing the Mukti Bahini and in the formation of an
independent Bangladesh. He is remembered for his administrative acumen during the war.
Ziaur Rahman : A military leader, Ziaur Rahman became President of Bangladesh after a 1975
coup. Initially ruling with military control, he later shifted towards Islamic nationalism and
presidential power. His authoritarian leadership reshaped Bangladesh’s political structure and is
remembered for laying the foundation of the modern political system.

Comparison:

Bengali Nationalism: All leaders, except Zia, strongly supported Bengali nationalism, particularly
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmed.
Ideology: Haque and Suhrawardy leaned towards moderate politics, while Bhashani and Mujibur
Rahman embraced more radical forms of Bengali autonomy. Zia, however, shifted towards Islamic
nationalism.
Leadership Styles: Rahman, Ahmed, and Bhashani were charismatic leaders who played a
significant role in mobilizing the masses. Zia, on the other hand, was a military leader who used
authoritarian control to shape the nation’s future.
Legacy: Rahman’s legacy is most tied to Bangladesh’s independence, while Zia’s rule significantly
shaped the political landscape post-independence.

In summary, these leaders contributed to the development of Bangladesh through their distinct
approaches, ranging from moderate political reforms to radical nationalism and military
governance. Each left a unique imprint on the country’s history, with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
being the central figure in Bangladesh’s creation.