A Brief History of Bangladesh

Pre-colonial History of Bangladesh

7th century BCE: Early settlements form in Bengal, with communities engaging in agriculture, riverine trade, and craftsmanship. The fertile delta sustains rice farming and supports small trade networks with neighboring regions. The region's strategic location along major river systems, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, facilitates trade and communication.

4th–6th century CE: The Gupta Empire governs Bengal, introducing Sanskrit culture, Hinduism, and administrative structures that shape the region’s governance. The influence of Gupta rule contributes to the spread of Brahmanical traditions, while also encouraging advancements in science, mathematics, and literature.

7th–12th century: The Pala Empire, a powerful Buddhist dynasty, dominates Bengal, fostering intellectual and artistic achievements. Nalanda and Vikramashila universities thrive under their patronage, attracting scholars from across Asia. Trade flourishes with Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as Bengal becomes renowned for its textile and metalwork industries. The Palas construct grand monasteries (mahaviharas), and Buddhist art and architecture flourish.

12th–14th century: The Sena dynasty replaces the Palas, promoting Hindu revivalism and Sanskrit literature. However, growing socio-economic inequalities and political fragmentation weaken their rule. The decline of the Senas creates opportunities for external incursions, eventually leading to the advent of Islamic rule.

Islamic Bengal

1204: The Delhi Sultanate conquers Bengal, bringing Islamic rule and Persianate administration. Muslim merchants, scholars, and Sufi saints settle in Bengal, leading to cultural syncretism. The Sufi movement gains popularity, spreading Islam among the local population through peaceful means, rather than military conquest.

14th–16th century: The Bengal Sultanate asserts independence from Delhi, flourishing as a commercial and cultural hub. The region becomes known for muslin textiles, attracting global traders from the Middle East, China, and Europe. The Sultanate builds mosques, madrasas, and palaces, many of which still stand today as historical monuments. Persian becomes the language of administration, influencing Bengali culture and literature.

1576: The Mughal Empire incorporates Bengal, boosting trade, agriculture, and urbanization. Dhaka emerges as a major city, renowned for its textile industry and strategic location. The Mughal governors oversee irrigation projects, strengthening agricultural productivity. Bengal becomes the empire’s wealthiest province, supplying high-quality textiles and agricultural products. However, the region also experiences frequent rebellions against Mughal taxation policies.

Colonial era

1757: The Battle of Plassey marks the beginning of British control, as the East India Company defeats Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah and establishes economic dominance. British policies shift the economy toward cash crops like indigo, which leads to widespread exploitation of peasants.

1765: The British secure the Diwani of Bengal, effectively controlling its revenues. The Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 entrenches the zamindari system, exacerbating peasant hardships by granting landlords unchecked control over taxation.

1857: The Sepoy Rebellion (First War of Independence) sees Bengali participation, but British rule is consolidated afterward, transitioning Bengal into direct Crown rule. Dhaka loses much of its former importance, as Kolkata (Calcutta) emerges as the colonial capital and commercial centre.

Nationalism and Partition

1905: Bengal is partitioned by the British to create administrative efficiency, fueling nationalist movements. Though reversed in 1911, the partition deepens Hindu-Muslim divides, strengthening the call for separate Muslim representation in politics.

1940: The Lahore Resolution by the Muslim League calls for separate Muslim-majority states, laying the groundwork for Pakistan’s creation. Tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities escalate as nationalist sentiments grow.

1947: British India is partitioned; East Bengal becomes East Pakistan, part of the new state of Pakistan. However, economic and political disparities with West Pakistan quickly emerge, as the central government in Karachi favors West Pakistan in resource allocation.

Towards independence

1952: The Bengali Language Movement demands recognition of Bangla as a state language. Protesters are killed on February 21, a day now commemorated as International Mother Language Day. This movement strengthens Bengali national identity and opposition to West Pakistani rule.

1960s: Political tensions grow as East Pakistan faces economic neglect and cultural suppression. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerges as a leader advocating autonomy. His Six-Point Movement gains widespread support, demanding greater provincial autonomy for East Pakistan.

1970: Awami League wins Pakistan’s general election with an overwhelming majority but is denied power. Protests escalate as West Pakistan resists transferring authority, leading to violent military crackdowns.

Liberation War

March, 1971: The Pakistan Army launches Operation Searchlight, killing thousands in Dhaka. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is arrested, and the Bangladesh Liberation War begins, as Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) wage guerrilla warfare against the occupying forces.

December, 1971: After months of conflict, supported by India, Pakistan surrenders, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The war results in the deaths of millions and mass displacement of refugees into India.

Post-independence challenges

1972: Bangladesh adopts a secular, socialist constitution under Sheikh Mujib’s leadership, focusing on rebuilding war-ravaged infrastructure and economy.

1974: A severe famine devastates the country, leading to criticism of government policies. Foreign aid is slow to arrive, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

1975: Sheikh Mujib and most of his family are assassinated in a military coup. Political instability follows, with multiple coups and leadership changes, setting the stage for military rule.

Military rule and democratic transition

1977–1990: Military rulers, including Ziaur Rahman and later Hussain Muhammad Ershad, govern Bangladesh, promoting market reforms but suppressing opposition. The country shifts towards a more capitalist economy, benefiting from remittances from Bangladeshi workers abroad.

1991: Bangladesh returns to parliamentary democracy. Khaleda Zia (BNP) and Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) emerge as key political figures, alternating in power amid political rivalries and street protests.

21st-century developments

2008: Awami League wins elections, initiating major infrastructure projects and economic reforms, including investments in energy and transportation.

2013: War crimes trials convict key figures from the 1971 war, causing political tensions and leading to violent protests.

2019: Sheikh Hasina wins re-election, continuing economic growth but facing criticism over press freedom and human rights concerns.

2020s: Bangladesh emerges as a major player in textile exports and infrastructure development but faces challenges related to climate change, political stability, and governance reforms. Despite economic progress, income inequality remains a pressing issue.