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Witness History: The birth of Bangladesh

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The birth of Bangladesh

15/12/2020 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The birth of Bangladesh

Pakistan's first democratic elections led to the creation of a new country, Bangladesh

In 1970 Pakistan's first democratic elections since independence from British colonial rule, led to war, the break up of Pakistan and the creation of a new country, Bangladesh.

In December 1970 Pakistan held its first democratic elections since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1947.  The elections led to war, the break up of Pakistan and the creation of a new country, Bangladesh.  Farhana Haider has been speaking to the economist and leading figure in the Bengali independence movement, Rehman Sobhan, about the historic elections and their aftermath.  

Photo East Pakistan 1971 The flag of Bangladesh is raised at the Awami League headquarters. Credit Getty Images

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