Anniversary of 'Fall of Dhaka' observed

The 46th anniversary of the Fall of Dhaka was observed yesterday on a somber note. December 16 marks the secession of East Pakistan or the Fall of Dhaka in 1971. This day provides the nation with an occasion to reflect deeply. Although there is no doubt about the fact that India played a sinister role in the secession of East Pakistan, our ruling elite was equally responsible for the break-up of Pakistan.
The rulers deepened a sense of deprivation and alienation among the people of the then eastern wing of the country through their anti-Bengali policies that they pursued since the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The nation knows that the Hamoodur Rahman Commission that inquired into the debacle was very critical of the role of army and the politicians alike. The question is whether or not we as a nation have drawn some lessons from its report.