The 1971 Genocide: Operation Searchlight and Bangladesh's War

In this episode of The History of Bangladesh, Lucas and Luna examine the brutal violence that accompanied the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, focusing on Operation Searchlight—the Pakistani military's plan to crush Bengali nationalism. They trace the origins of the genocide from the March 25 crackdown in Dhaka to the systematic targeting of intellectuals, Hindus, and civilians. The conversation covers key figures like General Tikka Khan and the Razakars, the formation of the Mukti Bahini, and the international response, including India's eventual intervention. The episode also explores the scale of atrocities—estimated 300,000 to 3 million dead—and the lasting trauma that shaped Bangladesh's national identity. Specific attention is given to the role of the Shanti Committee, the killing of professors and journalists, and the memorialization at the National Martyrs' Monument in Savar. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of how 1971 remains a foundational yet painful chapter in Bangladesh's history.

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