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Baqir Siddiqui
Brigadier Baqir Siddiqui was a senior officer in the Pakistan Army who served as a key figure in the Pakistan Eastern Command under A.A.K. Niazi during the events surrounding the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Known for his strategic involvement and leadership in East Pakistan, Brigadier Siddiqui played a significant role in the military administration of the region.[1] Military CareerBrigadier Siddiqui's military career spanned several decades, during which he served in various operational and administrative roles. In August 1969, Brigadier Baqir Siddiqui was assigned to the east and held the position of Chief of staff in the Eastern Command of the Pakistan Army during the 1971 conflict in East Pakistan. In this capacity, he was responsible for advising the Commander of Eastern Command on defense plans and military operations. Following the surrender of Pakistani forces in December 1971, the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report recommended that Brigadier Siddiqui be tried by court-martial for willful neglect of duty in advising the Commander, Eastern Command, regarding defense plans and execution of operations[2] Role in the 1971 warDuring his tenure in East Pakistan, Siddiqui was closely involved in overseeing military operations and maintaining order amidst escalating political tensions. As the Bangladesh Liberation War unfolded in 1971, he served under Lt. General A.A.K. Niazi, the commander of the Eastern Command.[3] During the Bangladesh Liberation War, Brigadier Siddiqui, as Chief of Staff, played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of military operations in East Pakistan. The Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report highlighted his involvement in attempting to influence formation commanders to present a coordinated narrative regarding the events leading to the surrender, aiming to mitigate his own responsibility.[4] Surrender and AftermathAfter the eventual surrender of the Eastern Command to Indian forces on December 16, 1971, Brigadier Siddiqui, along with thousands of Pakistani soldiers, became a prisoner of war in India following the surrender. On December 21, 1971, he surrendered along with 12,000 of his men to Indian Army Major General Gandharv Nagra.[5] During an interview following the surrender with the BBC, Siddiqui, reflected on the events leading to the surrender of Pakistani forces. When asked about the surrender, Siddiqui candidly remarked, "It’s all right, part of the game, I suppose." He acknowledged the emotional toll but noted, "We have to accept it in good ways." [6] On why they chose to surrender, he explained that the decision was made out of consideration for human lives. When asked whether they could have continued the fight, Siddiqui affirmed, "We could have fought on for a long time, not less than 30 days,"[7] but the cost in human suffering ultimately guided their decision to lay down arms. During his time as a POW in Jabalpur, India, Brigadier Siddiqui made efforts to subvert the inquiry proceedings of the Commission.[8] He was repatriated to Pakistan in 1973 following the Simla Agreement. References
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