Bangladesh Liberation War referred to as ‘resistance war’ in 47th BCS exam

Previously, history was exaggerated; now attempts to distort it are emerging, says historian Salek Khokon

The 47th BCS written examination has come under scrutiny after a question in the “Bangladesh Affairs” paper described the 1971 Liberation War as a “resistance war”, and referred to Pakistani forces as “occupying forces” rather than by their historical designation.

The issue arose in the “Mohananda” set of the 200-mark, four-hour exam held on Wednesday.

Question 1 instructed candidates: “Provide a brief account of the resistance war against the occupying forces in various regions of Bangladesh during March–April 1971.”

Several examinees confirmed the phrasing to bdnews24.com on Thursday afternoon, though none wished to be named.

One candidate from Dhaka said, “Seeing terms like ‘resistance war’ and ‘occupying forces’ was jarring. Candidates have discussed the matter among themselves.”

The written exams for compulsory subjects began on Nov 27 and will continue until Dec 8. Subject-specific exams are scheduled between Dec 10 and 18.

CRITICISM OVER WORD CHOICE

Asif Bin Ali, lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at North South University, criticised the terminology on his Facebook page.

“Over the years, different right-wing actors have repeatedly attempted to distort history, from declaring Dec 16 as a ‘black day’ to undermining the recognition of the martyrs and heroic freedom fighters. The present wording reflects the same agenda.”

Social media reactions echoed the criticism.

Facebook user M Shahjalal Parvez posted a copy of the question, writing: “In March 1971, all classes of people in Bangladesh took up arms against the Pakistani invading army. Why is the Pakistan Army now labelled ‘occupying forces’ and the armed Liberation War called a ‘resistance war’? Distorting history this way is unacceptable.”

Sabibul Islam wrote, “The PSC now seems under [Jamaat-e-Islami] influence. Hence, in the 47th BCS, the Pakistani forces have become ‘occupying forces’ and the Liberation War a ‘resistance war’.”

Historian and Liberation War researcher Salek Khokon told bdnews24.com, “Using the term ‘occupying forces’ instead of Pakistan seems a deliberate avoidance. Bangladesh was born from a bloody struggle against Pakistan, with millions of martyrs and heroic freedom fighters.

“Such phrasing in an official exam reflects a pro-Pakistan bias and raises questions about attempts to confuse the history of independence. Previously, we saw history exaggerated; now there is an attempt to rewrite or obscure it. This is deeply regrettable.”

He added, “While resistance did occur in March–April, referring to the events in this way underplays the Pakistani Army’s atrocities and the sheer scale of the liberation struggle. The history of the Liberation War is as undeniable as the sun; attempts to distort or diminish it are unacceptable.”

COMMISSION RESPONSE

Repeated attempts to contact Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Professor Mobashwer Monem were unsuccessful.

Contacted later, PSC Exam Controller Masuma Afrin said: “Please submit any queries in writing; I do not wish to comment over the phone.”

PSC Public Relations Officer SM Matiur Rahman said, “The commission has not issued any statement on the matter.”

A PSC official, who asked not to be named, explained the question-setting process: “Moderators draft the question papers, which are then finalised by subject experts. The commission is not directly involved in question preparation. If concerns arise regarding wording, moderators are usually advised to take greater care in future exams.”