The Diplomatic Battle for Bangladesh: Recollections of Prof. Rehman Sobhan
Introduction to a Hidden History
In a recent talk hosted by The Daily Star, Prof. Rehman Sobhan, an economist and political analyst who served as a special envoy for the Mujibnagar Government during the 1971 Liberation War, recounted the lesser-known aspects of the diplomatic struggle for Bangladesh’s independence. His experiences shed light on the geopolitical intricacies of the Cold War and how they influenced the fight for self-determination in Bangladesh.
The Cold War Landscape
The Cold War era was characterized by deep ideological divides and military alliances. Pakistan, expecting support from the United States, strategically aligned itself with both the Baghdad Pact and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). These alliances were not merely military partnerships but a means to enhance Pakistan’s global standing against its primary rival, India.
Prof. Sobhan was a vocal critic of Pakistan’s alignment with the US, advocating for a neutral stance inspired by leaders from the Third World like Nehru and Sukarno, who had championed the Bandung Conference. This event aimed to carve a middle ground in global politics, challenging the bipolar world order dominated by the US and the Soviet Union.
Changing Geopolitical Tides
The landscape shifted significantly after the 1962 India-China War, leading India to seek US support after a devastating military defeat. Meanwhile, Pakistan, disillusioned with US ambivalence during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, began to look elsewhere, increasingly engaging with China. This realignment set the stage for new conflicts, ultimately culminating in the Liberation War.
Initially, the US government maintained a reluctant stance on recognizing the growing independence movement in Bangladesh. Internal documents revealed a nuanced perspective: while the US wished to maintain Pakistan’s unity, they acknowledged the Bengalis’ democratic aspirations. However, after the onset of hostilities, the US’s lack of support became glaring.
The Birth of the Liberation Struggle
Prof. Sobhan actively joined the liberation cause after traveling to Delhi to engage with key leaders like Tajuddin Ahmed. On the cusp of a major international financial push from Pakistan, he was tasked with launching a global campaign to halt foreign aid destined for a regime committing atrocities.
With extensive travels and engaging the Bangladeshi diaspora around the world, Prof. Sobhan sought to disrupt aid to Pakistan— primarily funded by the US and the World Bank. The strategy hinged on the idea that without external resources, Pakistan would be unable to sustain its genocidal campaign against the Bengali people.
Mobilizing Global Support
As Prof. Sobhan navigated various global capitals, he encountered resistance and skepticism from Western governments. He quickly pivoted to rely on the power of international media and political activism, especially through networks in the US Congress. Figures like Senators Frank Church and Edward Kennedy emerged as strong advocates for halting aid to Pakistan, lending pivotal support to the Bengali cause.
Prof. Sobhan’s approach was multifaceted, engaging specific cultural and political segments within countries. The media played a crucial role, highlighting the atrocities in Bangladesh, leading to widespread awareness and empathy for the beleaguered population.
Impact on International Aid Dynamics
A significant success came during the World Bank’s annual meetings, where Sobhan lobbied to stop consortia members from pledging new aid. The strategic narrative around the ongoing human rights violations resonated with multiple stakeholders, resulting in an unprecedented decision to withhold aid to Pakistan. This decision dramatically weakened Pakistan’s economic position during the war.
The backlash generated from this campaign led to historical shifts in international aid policy, reflecting how grassroots activism could influence global finance and policy decisions.
Navigating the UN and International Politics
The geopolitical climate was quite complex, particularly with the secretive US-China rapprochement that had profound implications for the conflict. At the United Nations, the quest for recognition and support for Bangladesh faced significant hurdles as the prevailing sentiment was to maintain the integrity of existing states.
Prof. Sobhan utilized insider contacts, particularly from less-known nations, to bolster Bangladesh’s case, emphasizing the legitimacy of its freedom struggle. When India began to engage more directly after signing its treaty with the Soviet Union, it shifted the balance of global opinion in favor of Bangladesh.
The War’s Final Phase and Diplomatic Theatre
As the war escalated, the Pakistani military sought to internationalize the conflict, believing it could sway global opinion to intervene. On December 3, when Pakistan bombed Indian airfields, India, viewing this as an act of war, escalated its support for the Mukti Bahini.
As the conflict reached its climax, Prof. Sobhan found himself improvising at the UN General Assembly, asserting Bangladesh’s right to continue its liberation struggle despite proposals for a ceasefire that would compromise its sovereignty. His resolve during this crucial moment underscored the importance of political grit in international diplomacy.
The Resolute Conclusion of the War
The eventual surrender of Pakistani forces and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation was a culmination of not only military efforts but also the strategic diplomatic campaigns orchestrated by individuals like Prof. Sobhan. His role in halting aid and rallying international support illustrated how adept negotiation can lead to monumental shifts in political realities.
This lesser-known chapter of Bangladesh’s history highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the profound impact of grassroots activism during one of the 20th century’s defining liberation movements.