The Provisional Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (, ), was the government in exile of Bangladesh based in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, during the Bangladesh Independence War. Formed officially on 17 April 1971, the provisional government was formed with Syed Nazrul Islam as Acting President, Tajuddin Ahmed as Prime Minister and Colonel M.A.G. Osmani as Chief of Army Staff BDF, after the declaration of independence of Bangladesh (source]. Across East Pakistan violence and forced disappearances were carried our by the Pakistan authorities. Independence movement actions were spearheaded by Maulana Bhasani, known as an uncompromising nationalist. After all talks, negotiations with the national government and even warnings from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman failed, brutal crackdown was launched by the Pakistan Army. Sheikh Mujib was arrested and confined in West Pakistan while the leaders of the Awami League fled to India, including other independence movement leaders, Maulana Bhasani (who was also confined the entire duration of the war at Dehradun, India), after he crossed into India by a river boat.