The East Bengal Floods (1954 – 1956)

A Comparative Historical Study

Abstract

This paper investigates the devastating flood that occurred in East
Bengal between 1954 and 1956, focusing on the resulting socio-economic
losses and the government's relief response. Caused by heavy monsoon rains
and the overflow of the major rivers, the flood intensely affected the
southeastern and central regions of East Bengal, including the districts of
Chattogram, Barisal, Dhaka, Madaripur, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh,
Patuakhali, Bhola, and Khulna. Vast areas were inundated, significantly
damaging agricultural lands, housing, infrastructure, and other public facilities.
The newly elected United Front Government faced immense challenges in
managing relief operations constrained by limited resources and growing
public dissatisfaction. Although relief was provided by the government,
international, and voluntary sources, it was inadequate and often distributed
inequitably due to political influence. The central Pakistani government also
failed to respond effectively. Despite the magnitude of the floods, scholarly
engagement with their long-term consequences remains limited. Despite the
magnitude of the floods, scholarly engagement with their long-term
consequences remains limited. This study, therefore, highlights the long-term
consequences of the floods and the structural weaknesses in disaster
governance that contribute to the broader struggle for regional autonomy and,
eventually, the independence of Bangladesh.