East Pakistan was a province of Pakistan located in the eastern region of the country, comprising the territory of present-day Bangladesh. It was created as a result of the partition of India in 1947, when the predominantly Muslim areas of British India were carved out to form the new country of Pakistan. At the time of its creation, East Pakistan was the eastern wing of Pakistan, while the western wing consisted of present-day Pakistan.
The two wings were separated by nearly 1,600 miles of Indian territory, and they were connected only by air and sea routes. This geographical separation, along with cultural and linguistic differences, contributed to a sense of separation and alienation between the two wings.
The people of East Pakistan were predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims, while those in the western wing were primarily Punjabi-speaking Muslims. The government and military of Pakistan were largely controlled by the western wing, which led to a feeling of discrimination and neglect among the people of East Pakistan.
In the late 1960s, tensions between the two wings of Pakistan began to boil over. The East Pakistanis demanded greater autonomy and representation in the government, as well as a more equitable distribution of resources. The government, however, was unwilling to accommodate these demands, leading to widespread protests and civil unrest.
In 1971, the situation reached a breaking point when the government of Pakistan launched a military crackdown on the protestors in East Pakistan. This led to a full-blown civil war, and in December of that year, East Pakistan declared its independence as the country of Bangladesh.
The war between East Pakistan and the Pakistani military was short-lived, and Bangladesh emerged victorious. The creation of Bangladesh marked the end of East Pakistan and the beginning of a new nation.
Today, Bangladesh is a sovereign nation with a thriving economy and a vibrant culture. While the events of the past are still remembered, the country has moved on and is focused on building a bright future for its people.