The liberation of Bangladesh was precipitated by the political and military escalation following the 1970 general elections in Pakistan, where the East Pakistan-based Awami League won a majority. The refusal of the ruling West Pakistani authorities to hand over power led to widespread civil unrest and a brutal military crackdown, known as Operation Searchlight. The situation escalated into a full-scale war for independence, supported by India, following a massive refugee crisis and reports of human rights abuses. The conflict culminated in the creation of Bangladesh after India's military intervention in December 1971.