Birth of Bangladesh as Canada Walks a Diplomatic Tightrope, (Paperback)

This book focuses on the activities of the government of Canada, Canadian NGOs, Canadian media, and the people of Canada during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. It outlines Canada's assistance to the victims of the military crackdown, as well as Canada's mediatory role. Having no strong ties of strategic interests in Pakistan or India, Canada had a sympathetic understanding of the two main parties involved - the military government of President Yahya Khan and the democratic rights of the people of Pakistan represented by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, prime minister-designate. While the Nixon administration openly favoured Pakistan, Canada's foreign policy constrained Canada. The government was barraged with endless questions: Was the military take-over and crackdown a violation of the democratic rights of the people of Pakistan? Should the process of democracy be upheld under all circumstances? Should President Yahya continue his military reprisals in East Pakistan since the integrity of Pakistan was at stake? What was India's role? Was India dragged into the situation due to the influx of refugees? What role should Canada play as a senior member of the Commonwealth? There were no clear answers to these questions. The declaration of independence for Bangladesh by the rebel forces and the formation of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh in India had already created another new twist on the complex issue. Throughout the nine long months of the struggle for Bangladesh's independence, Canada maintained its "neutrality." Yet, it will be seen how Canada chose not to be a spectator but a player, doing her best while still adhering to its foreign policy of "non-intervention."