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BOOK REVIEW
EAST PAKISTAN TO BANGLA DESH

Introduction

1. The fall of Dhaka is an event that will be remembered for as

long as the history of Pakistan. There are tales of those who endured
a long rigorous imprisonment. The book “East Pakistan to Bangla
Desh” narrates some of the events based on facts and figures
observed by the author himself. Being an eyewitness to all
happenings, the author has penned down incidents that led to the
genesis of political unrest to civil and Indo-Pak war. The writer has
amicably highlighted the chronological unfolding of events which
caused the debacle of East Pakistan. The story starts from the tragic
occurrence of cyclone of 12/13 November 1970, which exposed the
impotence and negligence of central government in rescue and relief
operations. The cold shouldered attitude from the government further
added fuel to fire and became a turning point to stimulate anti west
feelings. The rebellion took advantage and an insurgency began.
The Book
2. “East Pakistan to Bangla Desh” is a hard bound book, written
by Brigadier Saadullah Khan, (HJ). The book was originally printed
by G.F. Printing Press Lahore and Published by Lahore law times
Publications Lahore. The quality of the paper is not of international
standard. It contains 204 pages divided in two parts with several mini
chapters. There are two battle sketches which form part of the Part II
of the book. The book has been dedicated “to those whom we failed”
by the author.
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The Author
3. Brigadier Saadullah Khan, (HJ) was the Colonel Staff of 14
Division, the only division then in East Pakistan. As prisoner of war,
the author was prompted by few influential personalities to put some
of his war experience on paper. The author happened to command
27 Brigade which by the end of September 1971 was moved from
Mymensingh to Brahman Baria. The writer has skillfully unfolded the
events leading to the fall of Dhaka without being biased and
diplomatic.
Summary of the Book
4. The book consists of two Major parts. Part-I deals with civil war
and the Part-II is about Indian war. The writer has given a first hand
knowledge and keen observations about the events in a justifying
manner.
5. As mentioned in prelude, the book started with tragedy of
cyclone of 12/13 November 1970, where aid from West Pakistan was
delayed and hence triggered the anti West feelings in the East. The
role of Awami League further put fuel to fire and hence the story of
distrust took its origin. All offers of aid from West Pakistan were
completely ignored. Army role was undermined by Sheikh Mujeeb-
Ur-Rehman and was not portrayed realistically in newspapers. This
created an atmosphere of distrust amongst local factions. In the
wake of an atmosphere where a stage was set to discriminate both
Eastern and Western halves of Pakistan, Indian Government
activated her potentials and thus charged her Eastern Command with
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the task of perpetuating insurgency in East Pakistan and

subsequently ordered to “liberate” this portion.
6. The writer has applauded role of Army Aviation in East
Pakistan. He made a special acknowledgement to MI-8 Pilots Lt Col
Babar and Maj Bajwa who under took daring sorties under hostile
condition. The details of events happening in East Pakistan have
been described in various small chapters so as to distinguish their
historical significance and relevance. The second portion of the book
deals with the Indian War. By then the writer was promoted Brigadier
while his brigade was defending Madabpur Sector to Shahbazpur
Bridge to Salda Nadi in the south. The writer has given out the
existing military situation at that time and concept of operation in very
clear manner when, various operations were carried out with the help
of sketches only. The story of fall of Dhaka till surrender of Pakistani
Forces has been narrated in a very impressive manner. The author’s
comments on utter humiliation of surrender reflects the pain and
sorrow, our troops at all level suffered at the time when they received
the orders to lay their arms. Initially the orders were taken as
unauthentic and enemy’s psychological warfare. There was a flurry
of agitated conversation and opinion at all levels amongst the troops.
However soon the bitter fact was revealed that we had lost the war
without losing the battle, outmaneuvered diplomatically, politically and
militarily. East Pakistan had slumped into “Bangla Desh”.
Comments on the Contents
7. The book is a concerted effort which gives an idea of chain
reaction of political failure ultimately leading to military set back in
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East Pakistan. The writer has made a whole hearted endeavour to

make it interesting and simple. The language used is difficult and
hard to understand. The book is an old publication of 1975 and
possesses few spelling mistakes and syntax error.
Recommendations
8. The book is recommended to be read by students of military
history and young officers in particular.
Conclusion
9. Overall this is a good book and gives a fair idea about genesis
of the root problem in East Pakistan. The book really touches a
reader and provokes thoughts as to how political system should have
reacted to save the sovereignty of the country.