Federalism In Pakistan: A Case Study Of Center-Bengal Relations (1947-1971)

Abstract

This research seeks to analyze the spirit of Federalism in Pakistan during the early twenty-three years of Pakistan. The purpose of this research is to examine center-provinces relations with particular focus on Centre-Bengal federal interplay. It has been assumed that federation policies towards Bengal pushed them for separatist tendencies. However, the existing data has ignored the stubborn behavior of Bengal leadership Shaikh Mujibur Rahman of Awami League. This research will focus on National Assembly debates, Newspapers, and secondary data to reevaluate and analyze the factors and actors responsible for the conflicting relations between Centre and Bengal and for stretching the conflict to separatism. The present work will also discuss how the lack of consensus, constitution and economic deprivation of Bengal along with unsolved language dilemma provided a breath to the demand of provincial autonomy leading to a separate Bangladesh? The present research will explore the constitutional casual reason behind the East-Pakistan’s separation to avoid further loss.