Fifty-three years after independence, many stories of the Liberation War remain untold. Part 9 of this 12-part series explores how the Mujibnagar Government financed the war -- tracing the daring recovery of treasury funds, the mobilisation of domestic and foreign aid, and the financial backbone that sustained Bangladesh’s fight for independence.

AHMAD ISTIAK

On April 17, 1971, in the mango grove of Baidyanathtala at Bhoberpara, an isolated border area in Meherpur, the acting president and cabinet members of the Mujibnagar Government were sworn in, formally establishing the provisional Government of Bangladesh during the Liberation War.

Although the government took shape in mid-April, the need for funds emerged from the earliest days of the war. Freedom fighters initially gathered money from treasuries and banks across the country.

Among the ministries formed at Mujibnagar, finance held a crucial portfolio, responsible for raising funds, collecting revenue, mobilising foreign aid and managing wartime expenditures.

Accounts of the Mujibnagar Government’s financial operations are documented in several sources, including “Bangladesher Shadhinota Juddho Dolil Potro Volume III”, “Bangladesh Sarkar 1971” by H T Imam, “Mujibnagar Government 1971” by Mohammad Fayequzzaman, “Spring: 1971” by Faruk Aziz Khan, and “Muktijuddher Chikitsa Itihas” by Shahaduzzaman and Khairul Islam.

Financial aspects are also referenced in Akbar Ali Khan’s memoir “Purono Shei Diner Kotha” and “Muktijuddher Purbapor Kothopokothon” by A K Khandker, Maidul Hasan and S R Mirza.

THE SEARCH FOR FUNDS

According to these sources, senior Awami League leaders led by Tajuddin Ahmad began forming a provisional government in India in late March. With most leaders fleeing with little, raising funds proved difficult.

After the government was formed on April 10, the urgency intensified. In his April 14 diary entry, Tajuddin noted that at least Tk 1 crore would be required initially, with hopes of securing loans from India and other friendly nations.

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