when did bangladesh gain independence
Image caption Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from Pakistan. 1971 - Sheikh Mujib arrested and taken to West Pakistan. In exile, Awami League leaders proclaim the independence of the province of East Pakistan on 26th March. The new country is called Bangladesh. Just under 10 million Bangladeshis flee to India as troops from West Pakistan are defeated with Indian assistance. 1972 - Sheikh Mujib returns, becomes prime minister.