An account of political events prior to the creation of Bangladesh; covers the 1970-1971 period.

Preface / Abul Maal A. Muhith -- Foreword -- First encounter -- Return to East Pakistan -- Dramatis personae -- Lull before the storm -- Nature's fury -- Blot on the escutcheon -- The cyclone and the elections -- An election all too conclusive -- Post-election maneuvers -- The die is cast -- A step back from the brink -- Countdown to disaster -- Man's fury -- Selective genocide -- Evacuees, "thin-outs" or miscreants -- Dangerous dissent -- A problem of communication -- Nadir -- Resistance and escalation -- Military disaster trumps natural disaster -- Birth of a nation -- Return to Washington -- Epilogue -- Return to Bangladesh.