Al-Shams (1971)

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Al-Shams was a paramilitary force formed in Bangladesh in 1971 by the occupying army of Pakistan.

Contents 1 Naming and Inspirations 2 Background 3 Sides Taking Part 4 Works 5 Abolition

[edit] Naming and Inspirations

Al-Shams means The Sword. This word comes from Arabic. This party was clearly intermingled with Zihad, the religional war or holy war but the war was actually between two parties of Muslims. It was a war for country, not religion.

[edit] Background

On 25 March 1971, after beginning the liberation war of Bangladesh, Pakistani military force had to have military supports from Bengali supporters as well as the non-Bengali muhazirs to have a position to abolish the freedom fighters of Bangladesh, the Muktibahini, Hemayet Bahini and Kaderiya Bahini. To detect the areas of freedom fighters and to have guides as well as co-fighters, they formed the Al-Shams force.

[edit] Sides Taking Part

some madrasa students-teachers, supporters of Muslim League and Jamaat E Islam, `muhazirs’ coming from non-Bengali part of India took part in this short living force.

[edit] Works

• Taking part in the operations
• Spying against Muktibahini
• Interrogation
• Working as the guides of the regular army
• Assassination
• Detecting and killing Bengali intellectuals
• Looting and supplying women-children to rape.

[edit] Abolition

On the 16th December of 1971, Bangladesh wins against Pakistanis and they all surrendered. But all the members of Rajakar, Al-Badar, Al-Shams, Shanti Committee were forgiven and they went on with their plans.