The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a conflict that led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The war began on March 26, 1971, when the Pakistani military launched a crackdown on the Bengali population in East Pakistan, which sought autonomy and recognition of their rights. The conflict lasted for about nine months and involved widespread atrocities, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. On December 16, 1971, the war ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces, and Bangladesh was officially declared an independent nation.