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What role did Mujibur Rahman play in Bangladesh’s independence?

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Mujibur Rahman was a cofounder of the Awami League, which advocated for political autonomy for East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). After the Awami League won a decisive majority in Pakistan’s 1970 general elections and was denied the transfer of power, mass protests erupted, culminating in a military crackdown by Pakistan in March 1971. Mujib was arrested, but the Awami League leadership formed a government-in-exile and led the Bangladesh Liberation War, supported by India. The conflict escalated into the India–Pakistan war of December 1971, which ended with Pakistan’s surrender and the creation of an independent Bangladesh.