“Unveiling the Tragedy: A Political and Psychological Perspective on the Genocide at Dhaka
University via Historical Analysis”
Introduction:
Genocide during Liberation War is a very dark chapter in the history of Dhaka University
including Bangladesh. This paper basically emphasis about the genocide at Dhaka University
from a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing upon political, and psychological frameworks. By
examining the historical context, nature of the tragedy, and various analytical approaches, the
main purpose of this research is to clarify the intricacies of the genocide and its ongoing effects
on university community and society both.
Historical Context:
During libation war of Bangladesh in 1971 within large context of while territory the genocide
occurred at Dhaka University. Then Bangladesh known as East Pakistan grew with experiencing
political compactness and assertion for autonomy from central govt of West Pakistan.
The 1970s' general election of Pakistan where Awami League led by the Sheikh Mujib won a
landslide victory and this significant event fueled these tensions. And after that the ruling
authorities of West Pakistan more specifically the military regime led by General Yahya Khan
disallowed to transfer the power to the Awami League. And by this refusal Awami League got
triggered and calls for Independence in East Pakistan. Then as it's consequences in 25th day of
March 1971 with the objective of oppressing the pro autonomy movement in East Pakistan, the
Pakistani military lunch Operation Searchlight by escalating beneath tensions.
As we all have very vivid impression and idea about Dhaka University as a emblem of
intellectual and cultural leadership of this region. And that is why it was being targeted by the
military violence, nuisance, vengeance, rape, huge massacre including oppression.
Pakistani military attacks on students, faculty and stuff brutally during genocide at Dhaka
University. Also involves inhuman torture, mass arrest, sexual violence and indiscriminate
killings against students who were actively participate and advocate the independence
movement, including unarmed people. Despite the barbarity committed by Wast Pakistan, with
the huge kind support of India the people of East Pakistan ultimately achieved it's own flag. In
1971 during libation war of Bangladesh occurred the genocide was distinguished by extensive
atrocities which committed by the Pakistani military against Bangali students, civilians and
intellectuals.
Nature of Tragedy:
The figure of the tragedy at Dhaka University encircled several dimensions including the
targeting of specific group, the scale of violence, the lingering impact on the university
community and society as a whole. The genocide which happened in 1971 during the Liberation
War of Bangladesh marked by enormous crimes against Bengali intellectuals, students including
civilians carried out by the military of Pakistan
1. Level of Violence:
By the Pakistani military Dhaka University involved systematic and widespread violence
perpetrated. Thousands of student, intellectuals and professors were targeted and killed in a
campaign to oppressive contravention and resistance to Pakistani rule. The vandalism and
brutality of the violence including rape, torture, mad l mass killings, both the country and the
world community were submerged.
2. Targeting a Particular Group:
The Pakistani perpetrators particularly targeted students, intellectuals, and individual
amalgamated with Dhaka University viewing them as a indication of Bangali nationalism and
resistance. Professors and students are suppressed and executed in an attempt to extinguish the
independence movement and eliminate strong, dynamic and potential leaders of the Bengali
struggle for liberation.
3. Effects on the Community at University:
The genocide had a grave impact on community of Dhaka University, shattering cultural heritage
including academic portion. Many professors and students went missing and were killed, which
leading a massive and significant loss of institutional memory also intellectual capital. The
university campus once a vertex of learning and enlightenment but after this massacre it turns
into became a site of fear despair of atrocities unfolded within its wall.
Analytical Approach:
Here a multidisciplinary approach is required and essential to analyse extensively the genocide at
Dhaka University. This part will particularly focused on sociological, political and psychological
perspectives to demonstrate the complexities and synthesis of this tragedy.
i. Political Perspective:
From the dimension of political perspective of the genocide at Dhaka University encircled the
role of government policies, state actors, and political ideologies in perpetrating or responding to
the violence. How political dynamics, such as, state authoritarianism, power struggles and
nationalism fueled the rise in violence and the target of specific community this aspect entails a
study of the ways in. Politically motivated incitement of intergroup hostilities and the defence of
oppressive measures against alleged threats may have been the result of politicians and
government officials taking advantage of preexisting tensions. Further exacerbating social
divisions and fostering an environment which encourages violence may have been the political
leadership's disinclination to address grievances and advance inclusive policies. Comprehending
the political aspect of the genocide at Dhaka University is critical to decoding the intricate
network of incentives and concerns that precipitated the catastrophe and to guide
commencements aimed at resisting such crimes in the times ahead.
ii. Psychological Perspective:
During the liberation war to attack on Dhaka University and the occurrence of genocide the
psychological view of behind this genocide involves some vital examining factors such as
propaganda, group dynamics, influence of authority figures and dehumanuzation of the enemy.
The genocide probably have been influenced by bunch of factors including brainwashing, a
hidden vivid fear of losing control power and a sense of superiority over the Bengali population.
The perpetrators planning to target Dhaka University may have been influenced by their
impression of the university as a center of dissident thought and intellectual struggle. Atrocities
may have been committed in part due to the psychological effects of war, this kind of moral
detachment and desensitisation to violence. All things considered, comprehending the
psychological perspective can provide light on the procedures and motivations guiding the
military's activities throughout the genocide.
Conclusion:
So on this conclusionary stage the genocide at Dhaka University highlights the grave
consequences of political suppression and socio-political conflict. Through this multidisciplinary
analysis, we have unfolded the complex process which drove the tragedy, from psychological
effects to political dynamic. Only through understanding and accountability we can withstand for
a future where such atrocities are prevented, and justice prevails with ensuring the resilience and
integrity of society at large.
References:
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Columbia University Press, 2011).
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Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka.
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