Mujibur Rahman (Rahman Mujibur)

(1920-1975)
Born March 17, 1920 in the village Tongipara (Bengal). Student joined the movement for independence of Pakistan. In 1947 he returned to his homeland in East Pakistan, studied law at Dhaka University. In 1949 participated in the creation of the Awami League as a counterweight to the Muslim League. In 1953 he was elected a member of the provincial legislature. After 1958 emerged as the leader of the opposition, twice been imprisoned.
In the mid 1960's worked on the restoration and strengthening of the Awami League. In 1966 he was arrested and charged with separatism. After two years in prison was released.

After his resignation in 1969, Ayub Khan's power was transferred to Yahya Khan, who appointed a general election in December 1970. Awami League came out openly to demand autonomy for East Pakistan, and, having obtained an absolute majority in the Legislature, formed the biggest parliamentary faction. The session of parliament was postponed by President Yahya Khan and Mujibur announced the start of a campaign of nonviolent civil disobedience. In March 1971 he was arrested, in response to the Bengali nationalists proclaimed the independence of the Eastern Province, which led to a bloody civil war. By December, supporters of the creation of Bangladesh defeated the Pakistani army, which consisted almost exclusively of natives of the western provinces. Was under arrest Mujibur was elected President of Bangladesh. He was released in December 1971. In January 1972 became prime minister of the state and concentrated in his hands full executive power. In January 1975 became president. He was killed during a coup in Dhaka on August 15, 1975.