The question asks about the military general of Pakistan during the critical period known as the Bangladesh crisis. This crisis occurred primarily in 1971 and led to the independence of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan).

Understanding the Pakistan Military Leadership in 1971

During the events of 1971, which involved significant political turmoil and military action in East Pakistan, the head of state and the chief martial law administrator in Pakistan was General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan. He took office in March 1969, replacing Field Marshal Ayub Khan, and remained in power throughout the Bangladesh Liberation War.

General Yahya Khan was not only the President of Pakistan but also the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. Therefore, he held the top military and political positions during the period of the Bangladesh crisis. His government was responsible for the military actions taken in East Pakistan.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the other options provided to understand why they are not the correct answer for the military general of Pakistan during the Bangladesh crisis in 1971:

• General Zia-ul-Haq: Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq became a prominent figure in Pakistan much later. He staged a military coup in 1977 and served as the President of Pakistan from 1978 until his death in 1988. He was not the military head during the 1971 crisis.
• General Ayub Khan: Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan was the second President of Pakistan and the first military dictator. He ruled from 1958 until he resigned and handed power to Yahya Khan in March 1969. He was not in charge during the Bangladesh crisis in 1971.
• General Liaquat Khan: Liaquat Ali Khan was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was a civilian leader and was assassinated in 1951. He was not a military general and was not alive during the Bangladesh crisis.
• General Yahya Khan: As discussed, Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan was the President of Pakistan and head of the military during the entire duration of the 1971 Bangladesh crisis.

Conclusion on Pakistan's Military General in 1971

Based on the historical context and the roles of the individuals mentioned, General Yahya Khan was the military general (holding the position of Commander-in-Chief and head of state) of Pakistan at the time of the Bangladesh crisis in 1971.

Revision Table: Key Leaders of Pakistan

Additional Information: The Bangladesh Crisis and 1971 War

The Bangladesh Crisis stemmed from long-standing political, economic, and cultural disparities between East and West Pakistan. Following the 1970 general election where the Awami League, based in East Pakistan, won a majority but was not allowed to form a government, civil unrest escalated. In March 1971, the Pakistan military launched 'Operation Searchlight' to curb the Bengali nationalist movement, leading to widespread atrocities and the declaration of independence by Bangladesh. This conflict evolved into the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 when India intervened, culminating in the surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka in December 1971 and the birth of Bangladesh.

General Yahya Khan's government oversaw the military operations during this tumultuous period. His actions and decisions as the military and political head of Pakistan are central to the study of the Bangladesh Liberation War.