The 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh showcased the power of unity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the Bangladeshi people. The contributions of the Mukti Bahini, the intellectual community, and the bravery of women and civilians were instrumental in achieving victory and securing the country’s independence. There are many records on the 1971 Liberation War, but how many of us, particularly the post-war generation, do know about the war tactics and combat strength of the Mukti Bahini? We were curious! Hence we visited three museums in the country: The Military Museum, the Liberation War Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum. Collectively, these three museums possess an extensive collection of war-related relics, including weapons, ammunition, and war vehicles. We made a humble attempt to recreate a visual account, particularly for Gen Z and Alpha, who are digitally native, highly perceptive and have grown up playing endless video games.

Military strength-wise, the Mukti Bahini was no match for the highly trained Pakistani troops, who were equipped with the most modern arms and ammunition available to any army. Possessing just two gunboats, two planes and one helicopter without any tanks, the Mukti Bahini relied mostly on small firearms, light machine guns, mortars, and artillery and often homemade weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

But what led to their victory? In fact, Guerrilla warfare tactics played a crucial role. The Mukti Bahini employed guerrilla tactics to gain control over large parts of the Bengali countryside. They carried out numerous ambushes, sabotage operations, and hit-and-run attacks against the Pakistani military which was instrumental in disrupting the enemy’s supply lines and communication networks, restricting their mobility. In nine months of war, the Mukti Bahini’s attacks systematically destroyed the Pakistani Army’s morale and weakened their hold on East Pakistan.

Operation Kilo Flight and Operation Jackpot, involving the Air Force and Navy, are two significant military guerrilla operations conducted by the Mukti Bahini. Operation Kilo Flight involved air strikes on Pakistani military targets, specifically targeting oil depots in Narayanganj and Chittagong. The operation was carried out using improvised aircraft and helicopters, which were modified to carry rockets and bombs. The first air raid took place on December 3, 1971, and was aimed at crippling the Pakistani army’s fuel supply. Operation Jackpot involved Bangladeshi naval commandos launching simultaneous attacks on several key ports in Chittagong, Mongla, Chandpur, and Narayanganj. The operation took place on the night of August 15, 1971, and aimed to disrupt the Pakistani military’s supply lines and communication networks. The commandos managed to sink several Pakistani gunboats and destroy several ships carrying arms and ammunition. These guerrilla operations significantly impacted the Pakistani military’s capabilities and contributed to the eventual victory of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Women also provided crucial support to the Mukti Bahini and the civilian population, often risking their lives to aid the cause of independence. They served as nurses, couriers, spies, and even combatants. Women’s participation in the war effort was a testament to their courage and resilience.

Weapons of 1971

9mm Pistol Parabellum

The 9mm Parabellum (also known as 9mm Luger or 9mm NATO) was widely used during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. This cartridge was originally designed by Austrian firearm designer Georg Luger in 1901 and became popular due to its low cost, adequate stopping power, and extensive availability.

7.65 mm Pistol

The 7.65 mm pistol used during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was likely the Beretta Model 100. This semi-automatic pistol, also known as the .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), was popular for its reliability and compact size.

Chief’s Special S and W

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief’s Special, used in 1971, is a compact, double-action revolver chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. It was popular for its reliability and ease of concealment.

9mm Pistol Mauser

The Mauser C96 used in 1971 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 9mm Mauser Export cartridge. It features a distinctive box magazine in front of the trigger and a wooden shoulder stock that doubles as a holster, earning it the nickname “broom-handle.”

Service Revolver

The .38 Service Revolver was used in 1971 for its dependability and ease of use.

W and S Mk.1 Signal Pistol

The Webley & Scott No.1 Mk.1 Signal Pistol used in 1971 is a flare gun designed for military signaling, featuring a 10-inch barrel and the ability to use shoulder stocks for stability. It was primarily used to send visual signals to aircraft and artillery units.

Heckler & Koch G3 Rifle

The Heckler & Koch G3 rifle developed in the 1950s, is a select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. It was widely used by various countries, including during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

SKS Rifle

The SKS rifle, designed by Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov in the 1940s, is a Soviet semi-automatic carbine chambered for the 7.62×39mm round. By 1971, it had been widely exported and used by various countries.

Type 56 Assault Rifle

The Type 56 assault rifle, a Chinese variant of the Soviet AK-47, was first produced in 1956. By 1971, it had been widely exported and used by various countries.

Sterling Sub-Machine Gun

The Sterling submachine gun was indeed used in 1971, notably during the Bangladesh Liberation War. It was valued for its reliability and effectiveness in close-quarters combat, making it a popular choice among various military forces at the time.

Lee-Enfield Rifle

The Lee-Enfield rifle, specifically the No. 4 Mk I (T) variant, was still in use by some military forces in 1971. It had been converted to fire the 7.62×51mm NATO round and was utilized in various conflicts, including the Dhofar Rebellion in Oman and The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

MAS 49 Rifle

The MAS 49 rifle, a French semi-automatic rifle, was in service during 1971. It was widely used by the French military and saw action in various conflicts, including the First Indochina War, the Algerian War, and the Vietnam War.

Ordnance ML 3-inch Mortar

By 1971, the Ordnance ML 3-inch mortar had been replaced by the L16 81mm mortar in the British Army. However, it was still in use by some other military forces and saw action in various conflicts, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948 and the Nigerian Civil War.

M18 Recoilless Rifle

The M18 recoilless rifle, a 57 mm shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon, was used by various military forces in 1971. It saw action in conflicts such as the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Vietnam War, where it was valued for its portability and effectiveness against both armored targets and personnel.

QF 3.7-inch Mountain Howitzer

The QF 3.7-inch mountain howitzer was indeed used in 1971, notably during the Bangladesh Liberation War. This British-designed mountain gun had been in service since World War I and continued to be used by various military forces, including the British Indian Army and later the Indian Army, for its portability and effectiveness in mountainous terrain.

Mills Bomb

The Mills bomb, a series of British hand grenades designed by William Mills, was still in use by various military forces in 1971. Known for its reliability and effectiveness, it saw action in numerous conflicts throughout the 20th century.

NDP-2 Mine

The NDP-2, an anti-personnel mine, was used in various conflicts during the 20th century, including in 1971. These mines were designed to incapacitate or kill personnel by detonating upon pressure or proximity, and they posed significant dangers to both military forces and civilians.

N-3 Mine

The N-3 mine, also known as the A.P. Mine No. 3, was a British anti-personnel mine developed during World War II. By 1971, it had been largely phased out of active military use, but it remained a notable example of mid-20th-century anti-personnel mine technology.

M9 Rifle Grenade

The M9 rifle grenade, an American anti-tank grenade, was widely used during World War II and remained in service with various military forces into the 1970s. It was designed to be fired from a rifle using a special launcher attachment and could penetrate armor up to 2 inches thick.

Air Force of 1971

DHC-3 Otter

This aircraft was part of Operation Kilo Flight, a Mukti Bahini combat aviation formation. The DHC-3 Otter was modified to carry rocket pods and machine guns for launching hit-and-run attacks on Pakistani targets.

Alouette III Helicopter

The Alouette III helicopter played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The chopper was modified for combat missions including the Operation Kilo Flight and successfully destroyed Pakistani targets, including oil depots at Narayanganj and Chittagong.

DC-3 Dakota

The DC-3 Dakota was used for transporting personnel and supplies, and it was instrumental in the para-drop operations in Tangail on December 11, 1971. This aircraft also took part in the Operation Kilo Flight and carried out logistical missions.

Vehicles of 1971

4×4 Kaiser Willys Jeep Wagoneer

This vehicle was used by General M.A.G. Osmani, the Commander-in-Chief of the 1971 Liberation War for his daily administrative and official activities. He used to visit various operations, war preparation, training activities of the freedom fighters positioned at different parts of the country with this 4-wheel drive Jeep Wagoneer.

Jeep Ambulance

The Jeep CJ-4 was mainly used to carry wounded soldiers from the battle-field for treatment. The jeep was repossessed by the Bangladesh forces from the defeated Pakistan Army.

Tractor MF-240 4×4 modified RR carrier

This is a modified UK made ‘Massey Ferguson MF-240 Tractor’ with an anti-tank weapon RR (Recoilless Rifle) installed. During the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, the Freedom Fighters repossessed this vehicle from the Pakistan Army. This vehicle is being used for quick transport of ammunition and RR crews.

Naval Force of 1971

Gunboat Padma

The Gunboat Padma was used by the Mukti Bahini during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. As part of Operation X, Operation Hotpants, Padma conducted raids against Pakistani forces, disrupting their logistics and demoralizing their troops. These operations significantly contributed to the success of the Mukti Bahini in the war.

Gunboat Palash

The Gunboat Palash was actively utilized by the Mukti Bahini during 1971. The boat carried out many strategic raids  on Pakistan forces, including Operation X, Operation Hotpants, effectively disrupting their supply lines and lowering their morale. These critical operations played a pivotal role in the eventual victory of the Mukti Bahini.

Small Boat

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the Mukti Bahini used various small boats for their operations. These boats were crucial for transporting guerrilla fighters, supplies, and conducting surprise attacks on Pakistani forces. The use of small boats allowed the Mukti Bahini to navigate the numerous rivers and waterways of East Pakistan effectively.

Illustration Team: Diptenu Saha, Sheikh Aniruddho Kabbo  and Tahsin Tarannum

Idea and Narrative: Saimum Kabir

Information sources: The Military Museum, the Liberation War Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum archives.