An advocate of democracy and socialism , Mujib rose to the ranks of the Awami League and East Pakistani politics as a charismatic and forceful orator . He became popular for his opposition to the ethnic and institutional discrimination of Bengalis in Pakistan , who comprised the majority of the state 's population . At the heightening of sectional tensions , he outlined a 6-point autonomy plan and was jailed by the regime of Field Marshal Ayub Khan for treason . Mujib led the Awami League to win the first democratic election of Pakistan in 1970 . Despite gaining a majority , the League was not invited by the ruling military junta to form a government . As civil disobedience erupted across East Pakistan , Mujib indirectly announced independence of Bangladesh during a landmark speech on 7 March 1971 . On 26 March 1971 , the Pakistan Army responded to the mass protests with Operation Searchlight , in which Prime Minister-elect Mujib was arrested and flown to solitary confinement in West Pakistan , while Bengali civilians , students , intellectuals , politicians and military defectors were murdered as part of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide . During Mujib 's absence , many Bengalis joined the Mukti Bahini and defeated the Pakistan Armed Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War . After Bangladesh 's independence , Mujib was released from Pakistani custody due to international pressure and returned to Dhaka in January 1972 after a short visit to Britain and India
1971 Bangladesh genocide
1971 Bangladesh genocide
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman