The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report (or War Report)

Historical map of Pakistan in Asia prior to Bangladesh's independence in 1971

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report 

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report is a seminal document in South Asian history, particularly concerning the political and military dynamics of Pakistan. Commissioned in December 1971 by the then-President of Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the report aimed to investigate the causes of the military and political debacle in East Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The commission was headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Hamoodur Rahman, and its findings, though initially suppressed, provide a critical insight into the factors that led to one of the most significant events in the subcontinent's post-colonial history.

Background to the Commission:

The backdrop to the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report is the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, which saw the secession of East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh. The war, marked by widespread atrocities and human rights violations, culminated in a decisive Indian military intervention in December 1971, leading to the surrender of Pakistani forces. The rapid and humiliating defeat of the Pakistan Army raised numerous questions about the conduct of its military and political leadership.

Formation and Mandate:

In the aftermath of the war, President Bhutto established the Hamoodur Rahman Commission on December 26, 1971, to identify the reasons for the defeat and to hold accountable those responsible for military failures and human rights abuses. The commission was tasked with a comprehensive mandate that included investigating the political events leading up to the conflict, the military's operational shortcomings, and allegations of war crimes and atrocities committed by Pakistani forces.

Key Findings of the Report:

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report is extensive, covering various aspects of the 1971 debacle. Key findings of the report include:

Political Disintegration:

The commission highlighted the political mismanagement and failure of the Pakistani leadership to address the legitimate grievances of East Pakistan. The refusal to transfer power to the Awami League, which had won a majority in the 1970 general elections, was seen as a critical mistake.

The report criticized the central government’s lack of understanding and empathy towards the socio-economic and political aspirations of East Pakistanis, leading to widespread alienation and unrest.

Military Failures:

The report provided a detailed account of the military's operational failures, citing poor planning, lack of coordination, and inadequate logistical support. It pointed out that the military was unprepared for the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi guerrilla forces).

Leadership failures were also highlighted, with senior military officers accused of corruption, incompetence, and lack of morale. The commission noted that many officers were more interested in maintaining their privileges than in effectively conducting military operations.

Human Rights Violations:

One of the most damning aspects of the report was its documentation of widespread atrocities committed by the Pakistani military and its auxiliary forces, including targeted killings, rapes, and mass detentions. These actions severely damaged Pakistan’s international reputation and fueled the independence movement in East Pakistan.

The commission recommended strict action against those involved in these human rights abuses, including court-martials and criminal prosecutions. However, most of these recommendations were never implemented.

Suppression and Subsequent Release:

Despite its importance, the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report was initially suppressed by the Pakistani government. Only a few copies were printed, and the findings were classified, largely due to the explosive nature of the content and its potential to further destabilize an already fragile nation. It wasn’t until parts of the report were leaked to the Indian magazine "India Today" in August 2000 that the document became widely known.

Following the leak, the Pakistani government eventually declassified and released the report's full version in December 2000. The publication of the report led to renewed calls for accountability and introspection within Pakistan, though significant political and military reforms based on its recommendations have been limited.

Impact and Legacy

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report remains a critical document for understanding the 1971 war and its implications for South Asian geopolitics. Its impact can be analyzed through various lenses:

Historical Accountability:

The report serves as a crucial record of the events and decisions that led to the loss of East Pakistan. By providing a detailed account of political and military failures, it holds the leadership accountable, setting a precedent for transparency and self-reflection in Pakistan’s political and military institutions.

Military Reforms:

While the recommendations for punitive actions against specific individuals were largely ignored, the report did prompt some introspection within the Pakistani military. It highlighted the need for professionalization, better training, and stronger ethical standards, though actual reforms have been incremental.

Political Discourse:

The report has had a lasting influence on political discourse in Pakistan. It underscores the dangers of centralization of power, ethnic discrimination, and the suppression of legitimate political demands. These lessons remain relevant as Pakistan continues to grapple with internal challenges related to federalism and ethnic diversity.

Bilateral Relations:

The findings of the report also influenced Pakistan’s relations with India and Bangladesh. Acknowledging the atrocities committed in 1971 is a sensitive issue, but it is an essential step towards reconciliation and building trust in the region. The report’s revelations have been used in diplomatic dialogues to emphasize the need for accountability and justice.

Public Awareness and Education:

The eventual release of the report has contributed to public awareness and academic research on the 1971 war. It provides a primary source for historians and scholars studying the conflict, offering insights into the complex interplay of political, military, and social factors that led to the war.

Conclusion:

The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report is a landmark document in South Asian history, encapsulating the myriad factors that led to the disintegration of Pakistan in 1971. Its detailed analysis of political missteps, military failures, and human rights violations provides a comprehensive understanding of the events that culminated in the creation of Bangladesh. Despite its initial suppression, the report’s eventual release has had profound implications for historical accountability, military reforms, political discourse, and regional relations. It remains an essential reference for those seeking to understand the lessons of 1971 and the ongoing challenges facing Pakistan and the broader South Asian region.