[1] The prime minister of Bengal played an important role in pan-Indian politics, including proclaiming the Lahore Resolution and dealing with Japanese attacks during World War II.

The League withdrew support in 1941, after which Huq forged a coalition with the Hindu Mahasabha led by Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

Huq was succeeded by a Muslim League ministry led by Sir Khawaja Nazimuddin.

Suhrawardy sought an undivided Bengal with support from Hindu leaders and the British governor; but faced challenges like the Noakhali riots, Direct Action Day and the idea was also rejected by the All India Congress party who called for partitioning of Bengal.

[citation needed] All three Bengali premiers moved to East Bengal, where they continued to be influential statesmen.