To what extent were economic issues the most important reason for the independence of Bangladesh (1971)?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that economic issues were the main cause for the independence of Bangladesh. Candidates may refer to the unfair economic policies of West Pakistan towards East Pakistan, which was treated as a colony with an underdeveloped economy. East Pakistan earned foreign exchange by exporting jute, but this was used to industrialize West Pakistan with very little revenue allocated to East Pakistan. Cyclone management was also neglected by West Pakistan and trade was adversely affected. Candidates may challenge the question and discuss other relevant factors. These could include racial tensions between the Urdu-speaking Pakistanis and the Bengalis in East Pakistan, the Awami League’s election victory not being accepted by West Pakistan and India’s support of the Mukti Bahini. The military atrocities committed by the Pakistan army against unarmed Bengalis may also be discussed as an immediate cause. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that economic issues were the main cause for the independence of Bangladesh.