"The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh: Memoirs of an American Diplomat" is a book by Archer K.

Blood that tells the story of Bangladesh's independence from the perspective of an American
diplomat. The book gives a historical framework for India's partition in 1947, which resulted in
the emergence of two wings of Pakistan divided by India, as well as knowledge of the economic
differences between East and West Pakistan, which exacerbated East Pakistan's political unrest.

He explores his life experiences as a US diplomat in East Pakistan, offering insights into his
personality and viewpoint on the new culture he observed. The book explains the historical
background of India's partition in 1947, which ended in the formation of two wings of Pakistan
divided by India. Blood shows the economic differences between East and West Pakistan, as
well as the rising friction between the two areas, which drove East Pakistan's political crisis. He
covers the devastation caused by the Bhola Cyclone in 1970 in East Pakistan and the misleading
information issued by Western media outlets. Blood gives an in-depth examination of the 1970
election, post-election maneuverings, and unsuccessful attempts to find a political solution. He
explains Yahya Khan's move to delay the National Assembly, which sparked a series of strikes,
protests, and bloodshed in East Pakistan, ending in a full-fledged war between East and West
Pakistan. The book explores Sheikh Mujib's historic March 7 speech, the political conflict's
development, and the countdown to the tragedy that triggered the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Blood highlights the atrocities done by the Pakistani army against the people of East Pakistan, as
well as the international response to the situation. He discusses the war's aftermath and the
foundation of Bangladesh, as well as his observations on his time in East Pakistan and the
influence of the battle on him.

Archer K. Blood's book "The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh" begins with his arrival in East Pakistan
in 1960 as a Vice Principal and Political Officer at the US Consulate General in Dacca. Blood
provides an outline of East Pakistan's political environment at the time, including Ayub Khan's
adoption of a new political system known as "Basic Democracies," which concentrated on
establishing rural and municipal governments. Blood also discusses his impressions of the
circumstances in East Pakistan and his experiences there, especially his participation in rescue
work following a hurricane in 1960. He also talks about his favorite ways to travel, river
steamers, and his meetings with political figures like Hussain Shahid Suhrawardy. Blood is
notified of his next assignment at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

In this era, the Bengali-speaking majority of the region began to demand greater autonomy and
respect for their language and culture, resulting in the birth of Bengali nationalism in East
Pakistan. Blood depicts the language revolution of 1952 when students and intellectuals resisted
the government's plan to proclaim Urdu Pakistan's single official language. He observes that this
movement was a watershed moment in East Pakistan's history, signaling the development of a
more assertive Bengali identity. Blood also analyzes the economic realities in East Pakistan
during this period, noting that the region was one of Pakistan's poorest, with little investment in
infrastructure and industry. He observes that the government's emphasis on agriculture has not
resulted in major increases in most people's standard of living and that there is widespread
poverty and unemployment.
The decision of Ayub Khan to hold a referendum on the constitution would create the country as
an Islamic republic with Ayub Khan as president. Blood highlights the political maneuvering that
occurred in the run-up to the referendum, including efforts by opposition parties to boycott the
vote and the government's attempts to crush dissent. Blood also examines East Pakistan's
economic status at the time, especially the effects of a severe hurricane that hit the region in
November 1962. He depicts the storm's enormous devastation, which killed hundreds and
devastated homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Blood stresses the significance of the 1962
events in establishing East Pakistan's destiny. He claims that the referendum and the
government's response to the opposition exposed faults in Ayub Khan's authoritarian system,
leading to the emergence of Bengali nationalism and the independence struggle.
The phrase "A Sudden Challenge to West Pakistani Dominance" relates to the circumstances
leading up to Pakistan's elections in 1970. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won the
majority of seats in East Pakistan, while Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party won the
majority of seats in West Pakistan in this election. The outcome of this election is of great
significance as it called into question the dominance of West Pakistan over the entire country.
Tensions between East and West Pakistan had been ongoing for years. East Pakistanis felt
neglected and discriminated against by the West Pakistani-dominated leadership. East Pakistan
was more populous, but the West Pakistani elites controlled wealth and influence. East
Pakistanis expressed anger and resentment, claiming their interests were ignored. India was
involved in wars in Pakistan between East and West. Many East Pakistanis sought help and
protection in India, viewing it as a potential ally. India saw the crisis as an opportunity to
undermine its regional rival. Eventually, the tension exploded into bloodshed, leading to the
independence of East Pakistan as Bangladesh in 1971. This issue had major regional
ramifications, with the refugee crisis greatly affecting the deterioration of relations between India
and Pakistan.
The decision-making days. Blood addresses the escalating political instability and tension in East
Pakistan at the beginning of the 1970s, which ultimately resulted in the nation's independence, in
this chapter. The events leading up to the general elections in Pakistan in December 1970, which
were viewed as a crucial moment for the future of East Pakistan, are described in Blood. The
elections, which were conducted in a largely free and fair manner, saw a resounding win for the
Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, the Yahya Khan-led military junta in
West Pakistan refused to cede power to the Awami League, setting up massive demonstrations
and instability in East Pakistan. As the military repressed demonstrators and dissidents, Blood
documents the escalating violence and repression in East Pakistan. In addition, he talks about his
initiatives to encourage the US government to play a more significant role in fostering a peaceful
end to the conflict.
The Pakistani national elections of 1970, in which Sheikh Mujib's Awami League scored a
resounding win in East Pakistan. All women were eligible to vote in the elections, which were
held there under the principles of universal adult suffrage. The prediction of the Awami League's
victory by the author and his team, a US diplomat based in Pakistan, was contested by Pakistan's
ambassador to the US. President Yahya found himself in a difficult position as a result of the
Awami League's victory since Mujib and Bhutto, the head of the Pakistan People's Party, were
both unwilling to give up their opposing ideas for the future of the nation.

Almost 350,000 people died as a result of a cyclone that struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
in November 1970. The government's response was judged to be insufficient, and although
international aid was initially available, it quickly decreased due to worries about multiple
shipments of aid supplies. Prioritizing help and avoiding duplication were highlighted, with an
emphasis on moving supplies, cash, and prepared foods. Despite worries that cholera cases
would rise, the East Pakistani Cholera Lab's prediction came true. From Pope Air Force Base in
North
Carolina, the US government deployed eight helicopters, and other nations sent their aircraft to
transport aid to inaccessible disaster zones. Almost a million pounds of relief supplies were
moved by Task Force 182 under the direction of Colonel Charles H. Parsons, USAF, in under 23
days. The author assisted in establishing Commandant Chardon's medical evacuation after it was
determined that he had an abscessed liver. Chardon was the leader of the Belgian medical
mission.
In particular, the discussions between Mujib and Bhutto, the leaders of the two major parties,
over the creation of a constitution, are described in this line as the political climate in Pakistan in
1971. As Bhutto underlined the necessity for unity, Mujib insisted that his Six Points must be
accepted without condition. Despite efforts at compromise, the two sides were unable to come to
an understanding, and tensions rose. While wishing to prevent a split between East and West
Pakistan, the United States refrained from meddling in that country's internal affairs. In addition,
Mujib expressed worry about the potential for a Communist takeover.

The Awami League won handily in East Pakistan's first democratic elections more than a decade
ago, which took place in Pakistan in 1970. But the party's failure to form a government as a
result of West Pakistan's lack of support stoked tensions between the two areas, which eventually
sparked the Bangladesh Liberation War and the establishment of an independent Bangladesh in
1971. Pakistan's President Yahya Khan delayed the National Assembly's start in March 1971 due
to a political crisis. Peaceful protests for independence in East Pakistan were held in response to
the decision, but tensions and violence increased. With conflicts between the Army and the
police, the crisis induced a state of fear and uncertainty. Yahya's decision made the already
challenging situation in Pakistan even worse and prompted the Awami League to start a
movement for the independence of Bengal, making it challenging to put an end to the movement.
Bangladesh was ultimately born as a result of this.

The events leading to East Pakistan's declaration of independence in 1971 and the role of US
politics in the conflict. The US government's focus on containing communism and its alliance
with Pakistan caused it to ignore the human rights violations committed by the Pakistani military
in East Pakistan. The Nixon administration's decision to send the USS Enterprise to the Bay of
Bengal only escalated the situation. Archer K. Blood resigned from the US Foreign Service in
protest of the Nixon administration's handling of the situation in East Pakistan.
In conclusion, "The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh" offers a compelling account of the suffering
endured by the brave people of Bangladesh during the tumultuous events of 1971. The author,
Blood, demonstrates remarkable compassion towards his subject matter, which is evident
throughout the book. Based on Sajen's assessment of "The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh", it is
evident that the author writes, "Reading through the pages of The Cruel Birth of Bangladesh, a
reader can't overlook the compassion with which Blood tried to comprehend the tremendous
suffering of the valiant people of Bangladesh during the cruel days of 1971." However, while the
book is well-written in certain parts, some sections feel overdone and might lead readers to lose
interest. It is important to note that while the book is a valuable resource for those interested in
this period of history, readers should be prepared for some slower sections. Overall, "The Cruel
Birth of Bangladesh" is a worthwhile read that offers important insights into a pivotal moment in
South Asian history.
Reference:
Sajen, S. (2021). Testimony to the Cruel Birth of Bangladesh. The Birth of Bangladesh in Books.
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