The statement refers to the historical context of Pakistan's formation and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh.
When Pakistan was established in 1947, it consisted of two geographically and culturally distinct regions: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). These two regions were separated by about 1,600 kilometers (approximately 1,000 miles) of Indian territory.
The relationship between the two regions was fraught with political, economic, and linguistic tensions. The Bengali population in East Pakistan felt marginalized by the government based in West Pakistan, which was dominated by people from the western region. This discontent fueled demands for greater autonomy and recognition of Bengali language and culture.
The situation escalated, leading to a civil war in 1971. Following a brutal conflict and humanitarian crisis, East Pakistan declared independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971. This marked a significant moment in South Asian history, resulting in the emergence of a new sovereign state and the separation of East Pakistan from Pakistan.