Early Life and Education

Nurul Amin was born on July 15, 1893, in Bhairab, a town in the Kishoreganj District of Bengal Presidency (now in Bangladesh). He belonged to a respected Muslim family with strong educational values.

He pursued his early education locally and later attended the University of Calcutta, earning degrees in law and political science. As a student, Amin showed a deep interest in national affairs, laying the groundwork for his future political career.

Political Career in British India

Nurul Amin entered politics in the 1920s and quickly rose within the ranks of the All-India Muslim League. A strong proponent of Muslim political rights, he worked closely with Muhammad Ali Jinnah and played an active role in the Pakistan Movement.

By the 1940s, Amin had become one of the most influential Muslim League leaders in Bengal. He served as the Chief Minister of East Bengal (East Pakistan) from 1948 to 1954, where he focused on education, agriculture, and communal harmony.

Chief Minister of East Pakistan

As Chief Minister, Nurul Amin promoted Urdu-Bengali bilingualism, education reform, and industrial growth. He strongly advocated for national unity while also defending the cultural rights of Bengalis. However, his administration faced growing pressure from emerging Bengali nationalist movements, especially during the language movement of 1952, which called for greater recognition of the Bengali language.

Despite his efforts to balance central authority with regional demands, his government was eventually dismissed by the central government in 1954, following electoral setbacks.

Role During the 1971 Crisis

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Nurul Amin was one of the few Bengali leaders who opposed the secession of East Pakistan. He supported a united Pakistan, arguing for constitutional reform and peaceful resolution instead of armed conflict.

Recognizing his loyalty, President Yahya Khan appointed him as Vice President of Pakistan in December 1971—a newly created position aimed at symbolizing national unity. He also briefly served as Prime Minister of Pakistan (December 7 – December 20, 1971), during the closing days of the war.

Legacy and Death

Nurul Amin passed away on October 2, 1974, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Despite his controversial stance during the 1971 war, many remember him for his principled leadership, dedication to democracy, and efforts to preserve national cohesion. He remains an important figure in the political history of both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Educational institutions, roads, and public buildings in both countries still bear his name in recognition of his contributions.