Thirteen days represented the shortest premiership in Pakistani history, a tenure held by Nurul Amin starting on 7 December 1971. A lawyer by training and a central figure in the Muslim League, he occupied top-tier administrative roles during a period of intense regional fragmentation that preceded the birth of an independent Bangladesh.
Early Legal and Municipal Career
Born in 1893 in the Brahmanbaria District, Amin attended Mymensingh Zilla School and Ananda Mohan College before graduating with a degree in English literature in 1919. He later pursued law at the University of Calcutta, qualifying in 1924. His initial public service included commissioner roles for the Mymensingh Municipality and chairing the Mymensingh District Board, positions he held for several years before entering provincial politics.
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Amin aligned with the All-India Muslim League under Mohammad Ali Jinnah, eventually becoming a key voice for Bengali Muslims. After winning a seat in the 1945 Indian general elections, he served as Speaker of the Bengal Legislative Assembly. Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, he became a central figure in the Pakistan Movement, eventually succeeding Khawaja Nazimuddin as Chief Minister of East Bengal in 1948.
Political Decline and Crisis
His administration faced significant internal strain and public dissent, particularly during the 1952 Bengali language movement. Amin viewed the demonstrations against the imposition of Urdu as driven by communist influence, a stance that alienated large segments of the population. The Muslim League suffered a comprehensive defeat in the 1954 provincial elections, where Amin lost his assembly seat, effectively ending his dominance in East Bengal.
Final Offices and Death
Despite electoral setbacks, Amin remained active in national politics, serving as Leader of the Opposition from 1967 to 1970. He attained the position of Vice President of Pakistan, a post he held from 1970 to 1972. His final political role as Prime Minister concluded in December 1971. He died in Rawalpindi in 1974 and is buried at the Mazar-e-Quaid.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 July 1893, Brahmanbaria District
- Died: 2 October 1974, Rawalpindi
- Prime Minister of Pakistan: 1971
- Vice President of Pakistan: 1970–1972
- Leader of the Opposition: 1967–1970
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Educated at: University of Calcutta
- Burial site: Mazar-e-Quaid
Questions readers ask
How long was Nurul Amin's term as Prime Minister?
He served as Prime Minister of Pakistan for 13 days, from 7 December 1971 to 20 December 1971.
Did he hold any other national-level executive office?
Yes, he was the first and only Vice President of Pakistan, serving from 1970 to 1972.
