History of Bangladeshis in The United Kingdom - Bangladesh Liberation War

Bangladesh Liberation War

During 1971 East Pakistan (known today as Bangladesh) went to war against West Pakistan (Pakistan) for independence, in what was known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. The Pakistani infantry then started occupy the Sylhet region where many Bangladeshis come from; this led some people to join the Mukti Bahini in their defense and a battle against the Pakistanis. For example, Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani a Sylheti, who was in command of the Teliapara Tea Estate in Sylhet, who then became the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces in April 1971, was one of many who were part of the success of the war. He died in 1984 in London where he spent his time diagnosed with cancer, living with his family in the UK. However, even though there were many heroic efforts by Sylhetis during the war, this also led large numbers of Sylhetis to flee, arriving in the UK during the 1970s.

Bengalis in Britain also took part in the War of Independence. In August 1969, Bangladeshi settlers in Birmingham formed East Pakistan Liberation Front. Its President was Abdus Sabur Choudhury and Secretary was Abdul Aziz Bhuyan. There was a fortnightly called Bidrohi Bangla published by Mr Mustafizur Rahman. Getting the news of Pakistani military action in 25 March 1971 there was a movement in Birmingham Smallheath Park. Over 10 thousand Bangali were present there. In that gathering, East Pakistan Liberation Front was abolished and Bangladesh Action Committee was formed. Justice Abu Saeed Chowdhury was its President and Abdul Aziz Bhuyan was Secretary. Actions and Movements: - 5 March 1971 - Demonstration in front Pakistan High Commission in London. Flag burning and memorandum handover to high commissioner for liberation - 7 March 1971 all Party Gathering in Smallheath Park Birmingham renounce of deceleration of Independence, - 28 March uplifting Bangladesh Flag in Smallheath Park Birmingham. - 3 May 1971 300 MP of British Parliament agreed to support Bangladesh movement - 21 June 1971 120 Bengali went to Paris to demonstrate against Pakistan Aid Consortium of 12 developed countries. Pakistan did not get any Aid. - 30 June 1971 Pakistani ship Padma full of arms and ammunitions was in the jetty of Montreal sea port Canada. Bangladesh Action Committee demonstrated in front of Canadian High Commission and finally Canadian government ceased it.

After all those movements and Demonstrations western media, activists and governments went against Pakistan and helped Bangladesh liberation. Bengalis in Britain played a significant role in the independence of Bangladesh.