- 2 March - First hoisting of the National flag of Bangladesh (initial version) at the Dhaka University[1] by Vice President of Dhaka University Students' Union (DUCSU) leader A. S. M. Abdur Rab.
- 7 March - Sheikh Mujibur Rahman makes his historic freedom speech.
- 25 March - Pakistan Army launches Operation Searchlight at midnight on the 25th, marking the start of the 1971 Bangladesh atrocities. Sheikh Mujib is arrested. (to 26 March)
- 26 March - Sheikh Mujib declares the independence of Bangladesh before his arrest by Pakistani Army.
- 27 March - Major Ziaur Rahman broadcasts the declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over the radio.
- 31 March - Kushtia resistance begins.
- 2 April - Jinjira genocide
- 10 April - Formation of a provisional Bangladesh government-in-exile.
- 12 April - M. A. G. Osmani takes command of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
- 17 April - The government-in-exile takes oath at Mujibnagar.
- 18 April - Battle of Daruin, Comilla and Battle of Rangamati-Mahalchari waterway, Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- 5 May - Gopalpur massacre, workers slain by the Pakistani Army
- 20 May - Chuknagar massacre by the Pakistan Army.
- 24 May - Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra radio station established in Kolkata.
- 11 July - Sector Commanders Conference 1971. (to 17 July)
- 16 August - Operation Jackpot, Bangladesh naval commando operation.
- 20 August - Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman attempts to defect after hijacking a fighter plane.
- 5 September - Battle of Goahati, Jessore.
- 28 September - Bangladesh Air Force functional.
- 13 October - Dhaka guerrillas kill Abdul Monem Khan, governor of East Pakistan.
- 28 October - Battle of Dhalai Outpost, Srimongol.
- 9 November - Six small ships constitute the first fleet of Bangladesh Navy.
- 16 November - Battle of Ajmiriganj, an 18‑hour encounter between MB Freedom Fighters and the Pakistan army.
- 20 November - Battle of Garibpur between India and the Pakistan Army. (to 21 November)
- 21 November - Mitro Bahini, a joint force of Bangladesh and Indian troops formed.
- 22 November - Battle of Boyra, involving Pakistani and Indian air force.
- 3 December - Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 breaks out. Bangladesh Air Force destroys Pakistani oil depots.
- 4 December - India officially invades East Pakistan.
- 6 December - India becomes the first country to recognize Bangladesh. Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra radio station becomes Bangladesh Betar.
- 10 December - Liberation of Laksham. Two Bangladeshi ships sunk mistakenly by Indian air attack.
- 11 December - Liberation of Hilli, Mymensingh, Kushtia and Noakhali.
- 14 December - Selective genocide of nationalist intellectuals, liberation of Bogra.
- 16 December - Surrender of the Pakistan army and liberation of Dhaka.
- 22 December - The provisional government of Bangladesh arrives in Dhaka from exile.
- ^ Glassie, Henry and Mahmud, Feroz.2008.Living Traditions. Cultural Survey of Bangladesh Series-II. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Dhaka. p.580