Liberation Diary: Expatriate Bengalis approach Britain to recognise Bangladesh on Dec 12

Regardless of being very close to the dream of achieving a free nation, the intervention of the United States was very concerning for the people of East Pakistan.

Despite all odds, they forged with indomitable courage against all odds. Realizing that defeat was certain, the Pakistani government called upon the friendly United States to take measures for a ceasefire. But due to the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s support, it was no longer possible.

On December 12th in 1971, around 15,000 expatriate Bengalis gathered in London's Hyde Park to demand the recognition of Bangladesh and the release of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Acting Head of Bangladesh Mission in London Rezaul Karim, Labor Party MPs Peter Shore and John Stonehouse and Awami League leader from Bangladesh Ashab-ul Haque Zwardar addressed the gathering. 

Later, a large procession of expatriate Bengalis presented a memorandum requesting recognition of Bangladesh at the British Prime Minister's residence. The next day, The Guardian newspaper called this procession a 'victorious ceremony'.

In a message sent to the UN Secretary-General, the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi also said that if Pakistan withdraws its army from East Bengal, compromises with those who are loyal to the Bangladesh government, then she is willing to consider a ceasefire proposal.

India's ambassador to the United States, LK Jha, said in a television interview in New York that day that India may agree to decommission if Pakistan recognizes the existence of Bangladesh.

On this day in 1971, the military advisor of the East Pakistan Provincial Government Major General Rao Farman Ali presided over a meeting with the central commanders of the Al-Badar, Alshams forces in the cantonment and formulated the blueprint for the killing of intellectuals. At the end of the meeting, the list of top intellectuals of Bangladesh was handed over.

On the night of December 12  on this day in 1971, journalist Nizamuddin Ahmad and Ghulam Mostafa, were abducted by the Al-Badar Bahini from their home. They never returned.

We have been publishing the series called 'Liberation Diary' (Bijoy er Dinlipi) focusing on the country's 1971 struggle for freedom  by collecting information from various sources. Other than the website, the reports can also be found on the official YouTube channel of the Report.Live.