During the partition of India in 1947, the Sylhet district, which was a part of Assam, was separated from Assam and merged with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This major territorial change happened as a result of a referendum held in the Sylhet region.
Key Details:
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District: Sylhet
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Year of Separation: 1947
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Given to: East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh)
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Process: Through a public referendum conducted under the supervision of the British government
Background:
Sylhet was a Bengali-speaking district under the province of Assam during British rule. In 1947, before India’s independence, a referendum was held in Sylhet to decide whether it would remain in India (under Assam) or join the newly formed East Pakistan.
The majority of the population voted in favor of joining East Pakistan. As a result, Sylhet (except a few border areas like Karimganj) was handed over to East Pakistan after the partition.
What Remained with Assam?
Only Karimganj subdivision of Sylhet district remained with India and is now part of Karimganj district in Barak Valley, Assam
Conclusion: The Sylhet district was the only part of Assam that was separated and handed over to East Pakistan in 1947 through a democratic process. It remains a significant historical event that reshaped the boundaries and demographics of Assam.