.......You can see how important strategic understanding and how lack of it can break a nation into pieces and cause untold sufferings. In our political leadership, media and educated population who are into politics and state affairs, strategic context is limited to local politics only. ....QUOTE]
Your point is well-noted.
But truly, after that last minute ----after 25th atrocities---no love for Pakistan or its ideology or its throne or charm---not anything was left in the bleeding hearts of people---but to go for Independence, as if it was Allahs will---leaving absolutely no option open. It was the very point of no return.
None on the earth could change the flow of next few events----even 1000 X Sk. Mujib would have been washed away in jiffy by the massive emotional tornado that was created. There was no more room for any alternative strategic thinking or otherwise.
Gen Jacob (Chief of Indian Eastern Command, 1971) told in Dhaka during his last visit (not verbatim) that he and others were skeptical whether enough Bangladeshi youths will come forward as volunteers---because only days/months ago they were convinced of, proud of and were under the impression of Pak Army being valiant, efficient, fearful & ruthless among top armies of the world. He and his colleagues were thoughtful how to motivateif any handful volunteers show up---them to get trained and then actually fight Pak Army. The element of fear and unfamiliarity with weapons may ask for a lengthy training and huge motivation.
He was stunned when they found these young Bangladeshis are coming more in numbers than they can cope with. They came so much fully motivated to face Pak Army that they were impatient to go to the front only getting issued a 303 rifle or anything that can kill---with complete disregard, initially, to any training. Most of their pleading was not for food, clothes, shelter, mosquito-net but preferably no; otherwise, shortest training and arms with highest killing powerobsessed for revenge, and impatient to see a country of their own.
Personally, I think ceased to exist in its original form as soon as Sk. Mujib was denied of his rightful premiershipIslam, the basis of Pakistan, was violated right then & there. Upon executing 25th March atrocities on fellow Muslims & othersPakistan (or its leaders) has committed a huge collective sinI dont know how Allah will settle the score. Any strategic thinking should have come from Pakistan, and before that last minute.
On the other hand, many ( I would not say most) Bangladeshisunder the bad influence of BAL (particularly Mujib Bahini), Leftists, Indian agentsveered away from the moral fabric of initial few months of freedom struggle. They also indulged in some counter-atrocities and selfish gain. The inevitable erosion of social values & norms---that accompany civil wars usually---inflicted on us. Resultantly, another tale of sufferings ensued, and we too paid hugely to settle our own scores, and continuing to pay in installments of varying denominations.
However, Bangladeshi people---under Independence---progressed also a lot getting open opportunities in business, industry, education, overseas employment which they were seriously deprived of over long times under Pakistan. Yet, all the intellectual degradationmainly caused by BAL-leaning buddhijibis, WB & Tagore-loving by-name-muslims, corrupt & hungry politicians-cum-sycophantscontinually disrupted peoples further progress.
So much water had already been flown through the Padma and the Indus that a dream of one country or even a confederation comprising both do not appear possible & practicable in view of todays reality.
Moreover, both the skies of Pakistan & Bangladesh are too grim with clouds of varying patterns. Everyone prominent on this earth appears to be quite interested to teach Islam a lesson or two. In the process, both countries may tremendously suffer
We can protect us better, and will survive longer only by strengthening Imaan & Islam within ourselves and treating each other as ummah---thus obtaining Allahs help. HE will also show us then the right steps to be takenupon which we need to act. In my meager life, I found that only Allah is willing, ready & able to help these Muslims and, absolutely, none else.
Interestingly, Allah alone is enough.