“WE REVOLT” The Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh (26 March 1971)

On the night of 26 March 1971, a historic call echoed across the airwaves of East Pakistan: “WE REVOLT.” This powerful declaration signaled the formal beginning of the War of Liberation of Bangladesh, transforming years of political struggle into an armed resistance for freedom and sovereignty.

“WE REVOLT” The Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh (26 March 1971)

Background to the Revolt

The roots of the revolt lay in decades of political, economic, and cultural discrimination against the people of East Pakistan by the ruling authorities in West Pakistan. The situation reached a breaking point after the 1970 general elections, when the Awami League, led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a clear majority but was denied the right to form the government.

Following prolonged negotiations and mass civil disobedience, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight on the night of 25 March 1971, unleashing brutal violence on civilians in Dhaka and other cities. This crackdown made peaceful resolution impossible.

The Declaration: “We Revolt”

In this critical moment, Major Ziyaur Rahman, an officer of the Pakistan Army stationed in Chattogram (then Chittagong), made a bold and historic move. On 26 March 1971, he broadcast a declaration over the radio, announcing the independence of Bangladesh and calling upon the people to resist the Pakistani occupation forces.

In his broadcast, Major Ziyaur Rahman proclaimed that the people of Bangladesh had risen in revolt “We Revolt” and urged the nation to fight for freedom. He later repeated the declaration by President Major Ziyaur Rahman, thereby linking the armed resistance directly to the political mandate of the Bengali people.

Significance of the Declaration

The declaration had immense importance:

• Unified Resistance: It provided clear direction and legitimacy to the scattered resistance efforts across the country.
• Moral Boost: At a time of fear and uncertainty, the broadcast inspired civilians, students, and soldiers to join the liberation struggle.
• International Awareness: The announcement helped draw global attention to Bangladesh’s fight for self-determination.

Historical Perspective

The principal leader behind Bangladesh’s independence, Major Ziyaur Rahman’s broadcast played a crucial operational role at a decisive moment. Historians acknowledge that the declaration of “We Revolt” was instrumental in transforming resistance into a nationwide liberation war.

Conclusion

The words “WE REVOLT” remain etched in the history of Bangladesh as a symbol of courage, defiance, and the unbreakable will of a people determined to be free. The declaration on 26 March 1971 marked not just the birth of a nation’s armed struggle but the awakening of a collective identity that ultimately led to victory on 16 December 1971.

Bangladesh’s independence stands as a testament to the sacrifices of millions—and to the power of a single call that rallied a nation to rise and revolt.