How did the Bangladeshis get their first weapons for the liberation war?
How did the Bangladeshis get their first weapons for the liberation war?
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The Bangladeshis got their first weapons for the Liberation War of 1971 through several key means:
1. Capture from Pakistan Army:
During the early stages of the war, Bengali soldiers and freedom fighters seized weapons from Pakistan Army armories, particularly in places like Joydebpur, Rajshahi, and Chittagong.
Many Bengali officers and troops in the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) and police revolted, taking weapons with them.
2. India’s Support:
India played a crucial role by supplying arms to the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Forces) after recognizing their struggle.
Training camps were set up in West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam, where freedom fighters received weapons and military training.
3. Smuggling from Borders:
Weapons were smuggled into Bangladesh through the India-East Pakistan border with the help of Indian forces and Bengali sympathizers.
4. Improvised and Locally Made Weapons:
Freedom fighters used locally manufactured weapons, including molotov cocktails, crude bombs, and traditional weapons, to fight in the initial phase.
By mid-1971, with India’s increasing support, the Mukti Bahini transformed into a well-armed force, ultimately leading to Bangladesh’s
victory in December 1971.