East Pakistan was a region in South Asia that existed from 1947 to 1971. It was part of the newly formed state of Pakistan, located to the east of West Pakistan, which is now known as Pakistan. The region was predominantly Bengali-speaking and had a distinct cultural identity, leading to tensions with the western part of the country. In 1971, after a brutal civil war and widespread demands for autonomy, East Pakistan gained independence and became the sovereign nation of Bangladesh. This transition marked a significant moment in South Asian history, as it highlighted issues of language, culture, and political representation.