Rare photos of Bangladesh’s War of Independence

History in the making — Photographer Anne de Henning reflects on documenting daily life in the war zone just over 50 years since Bangladesh gained independence.

Growing up in 1950s France, Anne de Henning discovered the world through books and magazines like Paris Match, which opened her eyes to the political machinations of the times. Fascinated by the camera’s ability to convey world events as they unfolded, de Henning developed a keen interest in photography. 

In 1967 and 1968, she worked as a press attaché for French fashion designer Madame Grès but found the environment far too quiet and subdued. Wanting to see the world for herself, de Henning bought two cameras and headed east to photograph the Vietnam War. 

In March 1971, de Henning was in Nepal when she read a news story about fighting in Dhaka, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Pakistani military had launched Operation Searchlight, a widespread civilian massacre that marked the start of the Bangladesh Liberation War. 

After learning that the Pakistani authorities had closed the country to members of the press, de Henning decided to enter East Pakistan to photograph the war. “What first struck me on entering the country on a searing early April day was the quietness of the place,” she says. 

A small group of mukti bahini, the freedom fighters of the Bangladesh Liberation War, approached de Henning and three fellow members of the press whom she met in Calcutta. “They stepped out of their makeshift observation post flanked by a tall bamboo poll flying the green and red flag of Bangladesh. They wore khaki trousers and worn out shirts. Their armament consisted of old 303 Lee Enfield rifles,” de Henning recalls.

“They greeted me, and the three fellow members of the press I had teamed up with in Calcutta, with broad smiles and declared ‘You are now in free Bangladesh’. My impression was that of a people determined to gain independence for their country at the cost of their life.”

Over the next nine months, the war raged. Some 10 million Bengalis fled the country during the Liberation War, which ended 16 December, 1971, with the support of Indian military forces. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, the photojournalist delved into her private archive of unseen work for the recent exhibition Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning Bangladesh 1971–1972

Traveling across Bangladesh, de Henning documented daily life in the war zone, creating a powerful portrait of freedom fighters and refugees. She remembers an eerie silence walking through the empty streets of small towns and villages, de Henning remembers an eerie silence everywhere except at the railway station in Kushtia where hundreds of young men were gathered. “They asked us to tell the world about their dire need for modern military equipment,” she says. “They thrust their fist in the air and shouted with passion Joy Bangla! (Victory to Bengal).”

De Henning obliged and did her part to help end the two-week news blackout during the early days of the conflict. She returned in 1972 to photograph political leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who fought to decolonise the nation, only to be assassinated three years later. 

Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning Bangladesh 1971–1972 was on view at the National Art Gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram


You might like

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Diverse group of people with various expressions and styles, surrounded by bold text and graphics in dark colours.
Culture

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers

Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Black and white image of several people in suits, some with long hair and unconventional appearances, alongside a large ship or boat model. Text overlaid: "FREAKS AND FINANCES".
Culture

On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos

Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.

Written by: Emma Garland

A collage depicting a giant flup for mankind, with an image of the Earth surrounded by planets and people in sci-fi costumes.
Culture

Why Katy Perry’s space flight was one giant flop for mankind

Galactic girlbossing — In a widely-panned, 11-minute trip to the edge of the earth’s atmosphere, the ‘Women’s World’ singer joined an all-female space crew in an expensive vanity advert for Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains its apocalypse indicating signs.

Written by: Emma Garland

Huck 79

We are all Mia Khalifa

How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.

Written by: Alya Mooro

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...

Accessibility Settings

Text

Applies the Open Dyslexic font, designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia.

Applies a more readable font throughout the website, improving readability.

Underlines links throughout the website, making them easier to distinguish.

Adjusts the font size for improved readability.

Visuals

Reduces animations and disables autoplaying videos across the website, reducing distractions and improving focus.

Reduces the colour saturation throughout the website to create a more soothing visual experience.

Increases the contrast of elements on the website, making text and interface elements easier to distinguish.