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Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan, faced years of political neglect and economic disparity from West Pakistan. After a violent crackdown on March 25, 1971 (Operation Searchlight), the people rose in armed resistance. With support from India, the nine-month Liberation War ended on December 16, 1971, when Pakistani forces surrendered, and Bangladesh was born as an independent nation.
On August 15, 1975, Bangladesh’s founding father and first Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated along with most of his family in a military coup. This tragic event led to years of political instability, military rule, and changes in leadership.
After almost a decade of authoritarian rule under General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, widespread public protests led by students, political parties, and civil society forced him to resign on December 4, 1990. This paved the way for free elections and a return to democratic governance in Bangladesh.
In January 2009, Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League became Prime Minister again after winning a landslide election. Her government began focusing on infrastructure, digitalization, and economic growth but also faced criticism over political freedom and human rights.
On July 1, 2016, militants stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, taking hostages and killing 22 people, including many foreigners. The attack shocked the world and marked one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Bangladesh’s history.
Bangladesh celebrated its Golden Jubilee with cultural programs, parades, and international visits. The nation reflected on its journey from war-torn beginnings to one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.
Large-scale student protests erupted against the government’s quota system in public sector jobs, which reserved a significant percentage of positions for certain groups. The protests gained nationwide momentum, forcing the government to reconsider the policy and triggering broader political discussions about fairness and reform.
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