General Aung San
(1915–1947)
General Aung San was a Burmese revolutionary, nationalist, and founding father of modern Myanmar. He played a crucial role in securing Burma’s independence from British colonial rule and is considered a national hero.
Early Life and Education
Born: February 13, 1915, in Natmauk, Magway Region, British Burma.
He studied at Rangoon University, where he became politically active.
Co-founded the All Burma Students’ Union and began his career in nationalist politics.
Political and Military Leadership
Aung San initially sought independence from British colonial rule.
During World War II, he sought support from Japan to fight the British, forming the Burma Independence Army (BIA) in 1941.
However, he later turned against the Japanese and cooperated with the Allies through the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL).
He became a major figure in the struggle for Burmese independence after the war.
Panglong Agreement
Aung San was instrumental in the Panglong Agreement of 1947, where he negotiated with ethnic minority leaders to form a unified and independent Burma.
This agreement laid the foundation for a federal union and promised autonomy to various ethnic groups.
Assassination and Legacy
Assassinated: July 19, 1947, in Rangoon (now Yangon), along with several cabinet members, just months before Burma gained independence on January 4, 1948.
His death was a major blow to the newly forming state.
Aung San is revered as the Father of the Nation in Myanmar.
Martyrs’ Day is observed on July 19 each year in his honor.
Family
Aung San’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, later became a prominent political leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
