History Daily: "Bangladesh Declares Independence"

Host: Lindsey Graham
Date: March 26, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode of History Daily explores the dramatic lead-up, key events, and aftermath of Bangladesh's declaration of independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971. Drawing together personal vignettes, political intrigue, military struggle, and the birth pains of a new nation, Lindsey Graham recounts the human costs and the triumph of Bangladesh’s fight for nationhood.

Episode Overview

On March 26, 1971, in the midst of political turmoil and brutal crackdowns by the Pakistani military, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh. The episode traces the pivotal months leading up to that moment, the devastation of the Bhola cyclone, the rigged hopes of democracy, the ensuing Liberation War, and the eventual triumph and tragedy that shaped modern Bangladesh.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Bhola Cyclone: Catalyst for Discontent

[00:40 – 03:12]

• Personal story of Mohammed Abdul Hai, sheltering with family against the Bhola cyclone on Manpura island.
• The cyclone devastates East Pakistan, killing hundreds of thousands, including most of Mohammed’s family.
• Pakistani government’s inadequate response to the disaster fuels anger and lays groundwork for political change.

  “The cyclone’s death toll will be inflated by the inadequate response of the Pakistani government, led by General Yahya Khan.” (Lindsey Graham, 02:13)

2. Political Upheaval and Electoral Betrayal

[05:52 – 11:25]

• One month after the cyclone, national elections are held, the first in over a decade of military rule.
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ("Mujib") and his Awami League win a landslide in East Pakistan.
  • “Mujib’s party has won…enough seats in the national assembly to outvote all other opposition parties. Mujib is now in line to be the country’s next Prime Minister.” (Lindsey Graham, 07:18)
• West Pakistani establishment, led by General Khan and the PPP, refuses to cede power; postpones parliament, fueling unrest.
• Violent state response to protests; major cities see riots and crackdowns. Mujib encourages peaceful protest but is pushed to the brink as violence escalates.
• March 25-26, 1971: Pakistani army launches military crackdown. Mujib is arrested, but not before a telegram is sent:

  “Mujib’s message calls upon the people of East Pakistan to resist the military occupation and declares the independence of a new nation that Mujib calls Bangladesh.” (Lindsey Graham, 10:38)

• The declaration is broadcast across East Pakistan, but Mujib and his allies are imprisoned; the fate of Bangladesh hangs by a thread.

3. The Liberation War and International Shift

[14:10 – 18:55]

• Five months after independence is declared, we enter the heart of Bangladesh's armed resistance:
  • Personal account of Abdul Wahad Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi commando conducting sabotage against the Pakistani navy.
  • Chittagong harbor raid damages or sinks multiple ships, marking a key morale boost for the resistance.

  “Two hours later, the mines in Chittagong harbor explode. Eleven ships are damaged in the attack and three sink, taking 19,000 tons of weapons and ammunition to the seabed.” (Lindsey Graham, 16:46)

• Pakistani reprisals become notorious for brutality: mass killings, rapes, and genocidal violence. Despite this, resistance only grows.
• Pakistan attempts preemptive strikes against India, triggering a decisive Indian intervention:
  • “A quarter of a million Indian troops cross into Bangladesh to support the new country in its battle for independence. This intervention turns the tide of the war.” (Lindsey Graham, 17:40)
• Within days, Indian forces and Bangladeshi fighters overwhelm Pakistani troops; on December 16, 1971, Pakistani generals surrender.

4. Aftermath: Independence and Tragedy

[21:41 – 24:15]

• January 1972: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is released from prison and returns to a hero’s welcome in Dhaka.

  “Although Mujib penned Bangladesh’s declaration of Independence, he played no part in the liberation war. He was a prisoner of the Pakistani army throughout the conflict…Now, he is returning home.” (Lindsey Graham, 21:55)

• Mujib establishes a parliamentary republic, beginning the long process of national reconstruction.
• His leadership cements him as “the Father of the Nation,” but he will be assassinated in a coup in 1975.
• The formation of Bangladesh becomes not just a political milestone, but a testament to resilience amid tragedy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the aftermath of Bhola Cyclone:

  “The sea has been whipped into such a frenzy that a mighty storm surge is about to sweep away the forest, the fields, the livestock, and his home…This huge storm will come to be known as the Bhola Cyclone. It causes the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people in East Pakistan, including 19 members of Mohammed’s family.” (Lindsey Graham, 02:00)

• On Mujib’s disenfranchisement:

  “But soon it becomes clear that Mujib’s political opponents have no intention of allowing him to take office. A new crisis is about to grip Pakistan. One that will split the country in two.” (Lindsey Graham, 08:41)

• On the broadcast of the independence declaration:

  “On behalf of our great national leader, the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, do hereby proclaim the independence.” (Broadcast, cited by Lindsey Graham, 11:06)

• On turning points in the liberation war:

  "Guerrilla raids by partisans increase in the countryside where Pakistani soldiers are isolated and lack backup...The Indian Air Force quickly gains air supremacy in the skies over Bangladesh. And the Indian navy blockades the remaining ships…" (Lindsey Graham, 17:55)

• On Mujib’s return:

  “There, Mujib addresses more than a million people and congratulates them all on defeating their oppressors. Mujib talks positively of Bangladesh’s future and declares that he is ready to lead the newly independent nation.” (Lindsey Graham, 22:26)

Important Timestamps

• [00:40] — Opening narrative: Bhola Cyclone devastates East Pakistan
• [05:52] — Context: Decades of political instability and election lead-up
• [07:18] — Mujib’s electoral victory and reaction
• [08:41] — West Pakistan refuses to cede power, causing unrest
• [10:38] — Mujib’s declaration of independence via secret telegram
• [14:10] — Commando sabotage in Chittagong harbor
• [16:46] — Results of sabotage; morale boost for Bangladesh
• [17:40] — Indian military intervention and rapid victories
• [21:41] — Mujib returns to Dhaka, postwar jubilation
• [22:26] — Mujib’s speech and nation-building; prelude to further political challenges

Episode Tone & Style

Storytelling is dramatic, immersive, and empathetic—using personal narratives (like Mohammed Abdul Hai and Abdul Wahad Chowdhury) to illuminate the larger historical events. Commentary remains informative, but always human-centered, emphasizing resilience, injustice, hope, and tragedy in a manner befitting History Daily’s engaging and accessible approach.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the March 26, 1971, declaration and its transformative role in South Asian history.