Timeline

• December 1969, the elections held after political parties had been re-established in Pakistan emphasized a growing rift between east and west. In West Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the Pakistan People's Party emerged victorious; in the east 160 of 162 seats were won by the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The League wanted complete internal autonomy for Bangladesh with a central Pakistan government controlling foreign affairs and defense.
  
• 25 March 1971, Pakistan's president Yahya Khan declared a state of emergency in East Pakistan. Sheikh Rahman and other leaders of the Awami League were arrested, while Pakistani troops began a brutal suppression.
  
• 14 April 1971, the leaders of the Awami league, in refuge in India, declared Bangladesh to be independent.
  
• 21 November 1971, Indian troops clashed with Pakistani forces in Bengal as Indians crossed the border.
  
• 3 December 1971, Pakistan attacked Indian air bases.
  
• 4 December 1971, India invaded Pakistan.
  
• 17 December 1971, Pakistan accepted cease-fire terms.
  
• 12 January 1972, Mujibur Rahman became prime minister of Bangladesh.
  
• 3 July 1972, peace terms agreed between India and Pakistan at Simla.
  
• February 1974, Bangladesh independence recognized by Pakistan.
  
• 15 August 1975, Rahman killed in military coup.
  
• 1977, General Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency (assassinated in 1981).