East Pakistan Becomes Bangladesh Officially
January 11th, 1972
January 11th, 1972

How Long Ago?
53 years, 2 months, 3 days ago
Location
Bangladesh
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Bangladesh Liberation War
People
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Links & References
Tags
East Pakistan Becomes Bangladesh Officially
On November 1, 1972, East Pakistan officially changed its name to Bangladesh. This renaming came after a brutal struggle for independence from Pakistan and the subsequent liberation. Following the independence war, the new government led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sought to establish a distinct national identity through the name change, symbolizing unity and national pride for the Bengali people, who had fought for cultural and political autonomy. The new name also aimed to sever ties with the former political regime perceived as oppressive.
Bangladesh means 'Land of Bengal' in Bengali.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first President.
The renaming reflected a new national identity.
This followed a successful liberation struggle.
What Happened?
After a prolonged conflict rooted in linguistic, cultural, and economic discrimination, East Pakistan, which was geographically separated from West Pakistan by India, secured its independence and became Bangladesh. This significant change occurred after the Liberation War that culminated in December 1971, when the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) fought against the military of West Pakistan. The nine-month war resulted in severe humanitarian crises, leading to the declaration of independence for Bangladesh. In the aftermath, the country faced the immense challenges of rebuilding a war-torn society and establishing governance. On November 1, 1972, the new leadership officially adopted the name 'Bangladesh,' meaning 'Land of Bengal,' signifying not only a territorial claim but also reaffirming the cultural and linguistic identity of its people. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first President, emphasized this renaming as a reconciliation of past grievances and an assertion of self-identity on the international stage. The government initiated several reforms aiming to unify the diverse groups within the country and cultivate a shared national identity. Officials sought international recognition for the new republic, further consolidating its sovereignty and demonstrating its resolve as a new player in international affairs.
Why Does it Matter?
The renaming of East Pakistan to Bangladesh marked a transformative moment in South Asian politics. This shift signified the culmination of a struggle for self-determination and cultural recognition for the Bengali population. The establishment of Bangladesh inspired other movements for autonomy based on ethnic identity globally, altering the geopolitical landscape of the region and emphasizing the importance of self-identity in the post-colonial world.
Discover More Historic Events from January 11th
First Recorded Death from COVID-19 in Wuhan
On January 11, 2020, health officials in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, reported the first death due to COVID-19. This marked a pivotal moment in the emerging outbreak, which had been identified only a month earlier. The victim was a 61-year-old man who had visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which was linked to many of the early cases of the virus. The announcement drew international attention and raised concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission of the disease.
Continue ReadingFrench Soldier Killed in Hostage Rescue Attempt
A failed military operation in Bulo Marer, Somalia, resulted in the death of one French soldier and 17 militants. The mission aimed to rescue a French hostage, but it escalated into a violent confrontation. French forces engaged local militants, leading to significant casualties on both sides. This incident highlighted the challenges of hostage rescues in conflict zones.
Continue ReadingGovernor George Ryan Commutes 167 Death Sentences
Illinois Governor George Ryan announced the commutation of death sentences for 167 inmates on death row, stemming from concerns over wrongful convictions connected to the Jon Burge scandal. This landmark decision was a significant move towards reevaluating the death penalty in Illinois. The actions taken by Ryan were largely influenced by evidence suggesting police misconduct and coercion in obtaining confessions, raising ethical and legal questions about the fairness of the death penalty system in the state. The commutation marked a pivotal moment in criminal justice reform and the death penalty discourse in America.
Continue ReadingMassacre Claims Over 100 Lives in Algeria
In a gruesome incident in the village of Sidi-Hamed, Algeria, over 100 people were killed by armed attackers. The massacre occurred during a time of intense violence in the country, largely attributed to the civil war between the Algerian government and Islamist insurgents. This tragic event escalated fears among local populations as it underscored the brutality of the conflict, which had already taken a heavy toll on communities throughout Algeria.
Continue ReadingEndeavour Launches on STS-72 Mission
STS-72 marked the 10th flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour, launching from Kennedy Space Center. The mission included retrieving and deploying satellites and conducting significant scientific experiments. Endeavour lifted off on a clear day, showcasing NASA's continuous commitment to space exploration. A notable part of this mission was the retrieval of the Spartan satellite, which provided valuable data for researchers.
Continue Reading51 Lives Lost in Colombian Plane Crash
A plane crash in María La Baja, Colombia, resulted in the loss of 51 lives when a domestic flight from the capital, Bogotá, encountered difficulties in bad weather. The aircraft, owned by a small airline, went down while attempting to land at the local airport, leading to a swift emergency response but ultimately resulted in no survivors. The incident raised widespread concern regarding aviation safety standards in Colombia, particularly among regional carriers, and triggered investigations into the underlying causes of the crash.
Continue Reading