Bangladesh’s First Government at Mujibnagar, initiated international diplomacy from the beginning of liberation war, to win support of people and governments of countries worldwide. Bhutan was the first country to recognize Bangladesh on Dec 6, 1971 followed by India on Dec 6, 1971. Then came East Germany’s (GDR) recognition. USA’s recognition came on April 12, 1972. Bangladesh became a United Nations member state in 1974 and was recognized by all countries of the world by the end of 1975.
Chronological List of the first 10 countries recognizing Bangladesh
- 1. Bhutan, December 6, 1971
- 2. India, December 6, 1971
- 3. East Germany, January 11, 1972
- 4. Poland, January 12, 1972
- 5. Bulgaria, January 12, 1972
- 6. Myanmar, January 13, 1972
- 7. Nepal, January 16, 1972
- 8. Barbados, January 20, 1972
- 9. Yugoslavia, January 22, 1972
- 10. Tonga, January 25, 1972
[Source: United States Congressional Record]
A resolution (H.Res.239 – 117th Congress
2021-2022) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence was
introduced in the U.S. Congress on March 16th, 2021. It was referred to
the House Committee on Foreign Affairs the same day.
US Congress Resolution on Bangladesh’s 50th Independence Day
|
117th CONGRESS
1st Session |
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez (for herself, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Gomez, and Mr. Meeks) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
Whereas the region of Bengal in South Asia is home to an ancient civilization with a rich cultural and literary tradition;
Whereas the 1947 partition of India created an East Bengal province, which became part of Pakistan, and in 1954, as part of the One-Unit program, East Bengal became East Pakistan;
Whereas, in December 1970, Pakistan held its first election, and despite East Pakistan winning a majority of seats in Parliament, the West Pakistan-based military leadership refused to cede power to the majority and instead imposed martial law in East Pakistan;
Whereas, on March 26, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from West Pakistan;
Whereas, in December 1971, following a nine-month long war that resulted in millions of displaced people and deaths, the Pakistani Army surrendered to Indian and Bangladeshi allied forces;
Whereas, on February 14, 1972, the late Senator Edward Kennedy at a speech at Dhaka University said, “The struggle of the people of Bangladesh . . . evokes the greatest memories of our past” and exemplifies a shared love of freedom with the American people; and
Whereas, in August 2017, citing parallels between the displacement of Bengalis during the 1971 war, the Government of Bangladesh accepted more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Burma: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the people of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary of their independence;
(2) recognizes the historical significance of this milestone to those of Bangladeshi heritage;
(3) recognizes the courage of freedom fighters in the struggle for independence and democracy;
(4) expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Bangladesh are committed; and
(5) recognizes the contributions of Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Burma.
