BAIDYANATH TALA, Pakistan, April 17 (AP)—The independence of Bangla Desh was formally proclaimed today in this East Pakistani town a half mile from the Indian border.

The troops of Pakistani's central Government were but 30 miles away and the resistance of Bangla Desh or Bengal Nation — the East Pakistani autonomy movement — was crumbling steadily.

The acting president of Bangla Desh, Sayed Nazrul Islam, and Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed appealed for recognition by foreign powers.

The Indian authorities played a major part in the ceremony, and a contingent of Indian troops was on hand just across the frontier.

Mr. Nazrul told a crowd of applauding Bengalis that he was proclaiming the “independent Democratic Republic of Bangla Desh” on behalf of its leader, Sheik Mujibur Rahman. The Pakistani Government has announced that Sheik Mujibur is in custody.