December 6, 1971, was one of the most important eventful days in the history of Bangladesh’s liberation war. On this day, India became the first country to officially recognize Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign country. Through this Bangladesh got international recognition as an independent and sovereign country. On December 6, hours after India’s recognition, Bhutan recognized Bangladesh by cable. On the same day, Bangladesh’s liberation war was widely discussed internationally.
On December 6, 1971, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced the recognition of Bangladesh as an independent country at around 10:30 a.m. in the Indian Lok Sabha session. At this time the members of the Lok Sabha stood up and welcomed Indira Gandhi’s announcement. Shortly after India recognized Bangladesh on this day, the Interim President of the Bangladesh Government Expatriate Syed Nazrul Islam, and Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed Ek thanked and congratulated Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in their message.
5 hours after India first recognized Bangladesh on December 6, the Pakistani government severed all diplomatic ties with India. In an announcement, a Pakistani government spokesperson said, “We are severing all ties with India due to India’s recognition of East Pakistan.” As a result of this decision of India, India’s extreme hatred towards Pakistan and the conspiracy plan to destroy Pakistan have been implemented. This decision is against the principles of the UN Charter. Pakistan will soon raise this issue in the United Nations.
On this day (December 6), Bhutan recognized Bangladesh by cable a few hours after India’s recognition. December 6 session of the United Nations Security Council, when the proposal for a cease-fire and troop withdrawal on behalf of the eight countries was again raised in the Security Council, the Soviet Union vetoed it for the second time.
Meanwhile, on December 6, Feni, Jessore, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, Kurigram, Sunamganj, and Lalmonirhat were freed from the invaders in the nationwide resistance war against the Pakistani invaders. On this day (December 6), the soldiers of the Pakistani 9th Division in Jessore left the Jessore Cantonment and fled towards Magura. Jessore was liberated from the invaders. Earlier, the Pakistani invasion forces occupied different areas through the Kabilpur Gowalhati area between the Chougacha and Jhikargacha areas of Jessore. Meherpur city was liberated on this day (December 6).
On this day (December 6), the Pakistani invaders escaped to Sunamganj’s southern road and Hawar road in a three-pronged attack by freedom fighters and Indian allies. This freed Sunamganj. On this day (December 6) the city of Chatak was liberated from the invaders. In the face of an intense attack by Mukti Bahini, the Pakistani invasion forces moved to the Lamakaji area of Vishwanath in Sylhet.
