Political failure not army: Pakistan military chief on 1971 Bangladesh struggle

Bangladesh, previously East Pakistan, was a ‘political failure’ and never a ‘military one’, General Qamar Bajwa mentioned, including that the military’s efficiency and actions in Bangladesh in the course of the 1971 civil struggle are subjects that most individuals prevented.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 23, 2022 22:20 IST

General Qamar Bajwa will retire from his publish by the tip of November (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan’s outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa criticised the nation’s anti-military narrative and ‘corrected some facts’ in regards to the 1971 Bangladesh struggle in his ultimate public deal with as the military chief.

Bangladesh, previously East Pakistan, was a ‘political failure’ and never a ‘military one’, Gen Bajwa mentioned, including that the military’s efficiency and actions in Bangladesh in the course of the 1971 civil struggle are subjects that most individuals prevented.

“I want to correct some facts here. Firstly, former East Pakistan was a political failure and not a military one,” he mentioned, reported Dawn.

The variety of troopers preventing was not 92,000 however 34,000 – the others have been in several authorities departments, he claimed, including that these 34,000 have been closely outnumbered by an Indian military of two,50,000 troopers and a 2,00,000-member Mukti Bahini.

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“Against these heavy odds, our army fought bravely and gave exemplary sacrifices which were acknowledged by the Indian army chief, Field Marshal Manekshaw,” General Bajwa mentioned.

Pakistan has not but owned as much as these sacrifices, he mentioned, calling it a “great injustice”.

“Taking advantage of this occasion, I salute these martyrs and will continue to do so. They are our heroes and the nation should be proud of them,” he added.

General Bajwa can be retiring from his publish by the tip of November. He was appointed as Pakistan’s military chief in 2016 for a three-year tenure, which was prolonged by one other three years.

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Published On:

Nov 23, 2022