The Liberation War of Bangladesh began on 26 March 1971 and ended nine months later on 16 December 1971. Bangladesh was fighting for its freedom from West Pakistan, which would later become Pakistan. Bangladesh was originally known as East Pakistan. Not many people are aware of the full extent of the war, the suffering of the Bangladeshi people and the emotional scars left after their bitter sweet victory. Those who lived through the war tell their stories in the hope that the sacrifices made by ordinary people will not be forgotten. Both soldiers and civilians sacrificed themselves, or were caught in the crossfire of the war. Thousands died and we (the Bangladeshi) ensures that no-one will forget the history of Bangladesh.
During the nine month struggle which ensued an estimated three million Bengalis died and and ten million refuges fled into India Sheikh Mujib was imprisoned in west Pakistan. A Bangladesh Government in exile was established. The actual military campaign took place in December and lasted only ten days. The Indian Army launched a massive offensive against the Pakistani forces to support the Bangladesh movement . On December 16, 1971, the Pakistan army surrendered.
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