0222-114 Final Solved Questions & Study Guide (Fall 2025)

0222-114 History of the Emergence of Bangladesh Final Exam Solved Questions — Semester Fall 2025

Introduction

The History of the Emergence of Bangladesh (Course Code: 0222-114) is a foundational course in the BBA program at Daffodil International University (DIU), designed to help students understand the political, cultural, and socio-economic forces that shaped Bangladesh’s independence. This course covers critical events such as the Partition of Bengal (1905), the Language Movement (1952), the 1970 Election, and the Liberation War (1971), providing students with a deep appreciation of the nation’s struggle for self-determination.

For DIU BBA students preparing for the Fall 2025 final exam, practicing past questions is essential for achieving high marks. This solved guide breaks down each question from the 0222-114 final exam paper, offering step-by-step explanations, key insights, and historical context. Whether you're revising for the exam or reinforcing your understanding of Bangladesh’s history, this resource will help you master the subject, improve retention, and boost your grades.

Exam Overview & Mark Distribution

The Fall 2025 final exam for 0222-114 (History of the Emergence of Bangladesh) consists of 5 questions, each worth 8 marks, for a total of 40 marks. All questions must be answered sequentially, covering:

• Political motivations behind the Partition of Bengal (1905)
• Resistance to the Urdu-only policy (1951–1952)
• International interventions in the 1971 Liberation War
• Student movements against Ayub Khan’s regime (1962–1964)
• The 1970 election as a turning point in Bangladesh’s independence

Solved Questions

1. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was less administrative and more political. Illustrate with reference to its underlying causes.

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a defining moment in South Asian history, often cited as a political maneuver rather than an administrative necessity. Here’s why:

• Divide and Rule Strategy: The British colonial government sought to weaken Hindu-Muslim unity by splitting Bengal along religious lines. The new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam had a Muslim majority, while Western Bengal remained Hindu-dominated. This created communal tensions, making it easier for the British to maintain control.

• Economic Exploitation: Bengal was the economic hub of British India, contributing significantly to revenue. Partitioning it disrupted local trade networks and centralized economic power under British control, benefiting colonial interests.

• Curtailing Nationalist Movements: The Indian National Congress (INC) had strong support in Bengal. By splitting the province, the British aimed to fragment nationalist movements and reduce anti-colonial resistance.

• Muslim Elite Appeasement: The British promised separate electorates and political representation to Muslim leaders like Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka, fostering a pro-British Muslim elite that would counter Hindu-dominated nationalism.

• Administrative Justification as a Facade: While the British claimed the partition was for better governance, the unequal distribution of resources (e.g., education, infrastructure) between East and West Bengal exposed its political motives.

Final Answer:

The Partition of Bengal (1905) was primarily a political strategy by the British to divide Hindu-Muslim unity, suppress nationalism, and consolidate colonial control, rather than an administrative reform.

2. Identify the political, cultural, and administrative factors that led Bengali students and intellectuals to resist the Urdu-only policy.

The Urdu-only policy (1948–1952) imposed by Pakistan’s government sparked massive resistance in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Here’s why Bengali students and intellectuals opposed it:

Political Factors

• Linguistic Marginalization: Urdu was spoken by only 7.2% of Pakistan’s population (1951 census), while Bengali was the mother tongue of 54.6%. Imposing Urdu as the sole official language ignored the majority’s linguistic rights.
• Centralized Power Structure: West Pakistan’s dominance in military, bureaucracy, and politics led to policies that favored Urdu-speaking elites, sidelining Bengalis.
• Violation of Democratic Principles: The policy was unilaterally imposed without consulting East Pakistan’s representatives, fueling regional resentment.

Cultural Factors

• Bengali Identity Threat: Bengali language and literature (e.g., works of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam) were central to East Pakistan’s cultural identity. The Urdu-only policy was seen as an attack on Bengali heritage.
• Student Activism: Students at Dhaka University led protests, forming the All-Party State Language Action Committee (1952), which demanded Bengali as an official language.
• Mass Mobilization: The Language Movement (Bhasha Andolon) became a symbol of Bengali nationalism, uniting people across class and religion.

Administrative Factors

• Educational Discrimination: Schools and universities in