Declaration of Bangladesh's Independence -- who did it?
Jaffor Ullah
The Bangladesh Observer
Editorial Page
The Declaration Of Independence
On 26th March, 1971
A. M. Abdus Sattar
I made extensive research to find out who first made the declaration of
independence and when My finding are in brief, inter alia, as follows:
1. Bangabandhu seems to have made two declarations of independence-one at
about midnight and another after the crackdown of the Pakistan Army in the
EPR Camp at Peelkhana and the Police Headquarters at Rajarbagh. The first
declaration was in the following terms:
"This may be last massage. From today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon
the people of Bangladesh wherever you might be and with whatever you have to
resist the army of occupation to the last. Your fight must go on until the
last soldier of the Pakistan occupation army is expelled from the soil of
Bangladesh and final victory is achieved." This declaration was circulated
throughout Bangladesh through T &T/EPR wireless at about 12 P.M. of 25th
March, 1971. Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury, an Awami League leader and friend of
Bangabandhu, received and M. A. Hannan, Secretary, Chiitagong District Awami
League, took steps to translate into Bangla and cyclostyle it and then to
distribute copies in the Chittagong town. That Bangabandhu had declared
independence was also announced through microphones in that very night
there.
2. The second declaration was in the following terms:
"Pak Army suddenly attacked E.P.R. Base at Peelkhana, Rajarbag Police Line
and killing citizens. Street battles are going on in every street of Dacca,
Chittagong. I appeal to the nations of the world for help. Our freedom
fighters are gallantly fighting with the enemies to free the motherland. I
appeal and order you all in the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last
drop of blood to liberate the country. Ask Police, E.P.R. Bengal Regiment
and Ansar to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is ours.
Drive out the last enemy from the holy soil of motherland. Convey this
message to all Awami League leaders, workers and other patriots and lovers
of freedom. May Allah bless you. "Joy Bangla" SK. Mujibur Rahman
This declaration also was sent by Bangabandhu through wireless to
Chittagong. His friend Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury, received a copy of the said
declaration and handed it over to M.A. Hannan. He rendered it into Bangla
and a statement based on it was broadcast by him over Chittagong Radio at
about 2-30 P. M. on 26th March, 1971, (there are different versions about
the time) by getting the radio set in motion for about 5 minutes.
3. Bangabandhu's Declaration of Independence was received in Chittagong at
dead of might and it was circulated in different ways during the night
following 25th March, 1971 and also the following day (26th March) through
handbill etc. in Chittagong.
4. I received this second declaration of independence on the morning of 26th
March, 1971. The local E. P. R. office sent a copy of this declaration to
the Mymansigh District Awami League Office located at Ganginorpur. I
rendered it into Bangla. It was got printed in the local Ruby Press and
distributed among the people. I was then Vice-President, Mymensigh District
Awami League.
5. On the initiative primarily of Belal Mohammad the Transmitting Centre of
Chittagong Radio situated at Kalurghat Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Betar Kendra
(the word 'Biplobi' was dropped after 2 days) was installed with the help of
the employees of Chittagong Radio and some others. It started functioning
formally from 7-40 P. M. of 26th March 1971. M. A. Hannan brondcast from
here again his earlier announcement that Bangabandhu had declared
independence.
6. Major Ziaur Rahman was asked by his Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Zanjua, a
West Pakistani, to continue unloading the arms and ammunitions from M.V.
Swat as on 25th and 26th March, 1971 and was put in a truck of the Navy by
Zanjua himself at 11-30 P.M. on 26th March, 1971, to proceed to the
Chittagong Port. But, Ziaur Rahman was obstructed by a huge barricade put up
on the way by the people and had to stop when Captain Khalequzzaman
Chowdhury got down from his "dodge" can and, practically dragging him away
to the side of the road, informed Major Ziaur Rahman of the attack of the
West Pakistanis already launched on the Bangalees. Major Ziaur Rahman then
clearly realized that his life was at stake. He, went back and arrested
Zanjua. With many other officers and jawans, he revolted at 2-15 A. M. of
27th March, 1971 and proceeded towards a safe place. He was found out at
Patia and requested to arrange for security of the newly installed Kalurghat
Swadhin Bangla Biplobi Betar Kendra by Belal Mohammad. Along with other
officers, Major Ziaur Rahman reached there on the evening of 27th March,
1971. At the instance of Belal Mohammad a declaration of independence was
prepared and it was broadcast in the evening session (i.e. at night) of 27th
March, 1971, by Ziaur Rahman, saying, inter alia, "On behalf of our great
national leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman" and ending with "Joy
Bangla". On the following morning (28th March) Ziaur Rahman made another
declaration mentioning himself as "Provisional Head of Bangladesh". This
evoked sharp criticism from everybody including A. K. Khan, an ex-minister,
who intervened and convinced Ziaur Rahman that he had no such authority, nor
had he the power to shoulder such a responsibility and that only Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujib had that mandate. A. K. Khan prepared and accordingly Ziaur
Rahman made his third declaration in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman on 28th March, 1971and thereafter.
7. According to another version Awami League leader and then M.P.A
Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, suggested to Major Ziaur Rahman that, if as an
army officer he made a declaration of independence again on behalf of
Bangabandhu, the Bangalee army officers would join the revolt. Initially he
expressed some difficulty in doing so as an army officer, but on an
assurance given by Akhtaruzzaman Babu that all help would be given to him in
case of any difficulty Ziaur Rahman agreed to make a declaration of
independence on behalf of Bangabandhu which he did from Kalurghat Biplobi
Betar Kendra and naturally it had its effect.
8. During his life time Ziaur Rahman acknowledged that he had made the
declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu on 27th March, and
respectfully acknowledged Bangabandhu as Father of the Nation.
Reference to different authorities would make this write-up too long and
rather cumbersome. So some facts in a concise form are given above.
Now the question is: What is the relevancy of distorting of fact of history,
ascribing something to Ziaur Rahman which he himself in his life time did
never claim and re-writing history and printing students text-books
involving a huge amount of public money? Ziaur Rahman admitted in different
ways that he had declared independence "on behalf of our great leader
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 27th March, 1971, from Kalurghat
Biplobi Betar Kendra" and acknowledged Bangabandhu as Father of the Nation
in his article published in the weekly periodical Bichitra of 26th March,
1974.
In the present Bangladesh context by distorting history to glorify Ziaur
Rahman the protagonists thereof are in reality desecrating his memory.
Whether one likes Sheikh Mujib or not, he shall remain in history as the
dreamer and architect of Bangladesh.
Further, this declaration of independence was incorporated by the elected
representatives of Bangladesh in their Proclamation of Independence on 10th
April, 1971, and the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was
sworn in on 17th April,1971, with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as its
President. Major Ziaur Rahman was appointed a Sector Commander under the
said government and later on a Brigade Commander. This Proclamation of
Independence has become part of our constitution (Paragraph 3 (1) of the
Fourth Schedule). Anything done in contravention of any provision of the
constitution is illegal and void.
Now let us look back to the facts of history.
Pakistan emerged as a new country on 14th August, 1947, Soon after its
creation it came to be felt by the Bangalees that the ruling elite in West
Pakistan consisting of the army and the civil bureaucracy, the feudals and
the business magnates who had migrated from India, were arrogating to
themselves the fruits of freedom in all spheres of the national life. The
first major blow to the Bangalees came on the question of their demand to
make Bangla one of the state languages of Pakistan. It culminated in the
shedding of blood on 21st February, 1952, and the following day. This set
the whole of East Bengal ablaze with anger and resentment against the West
Pakistanis. Mohammad Ali Jinnah's arrogant statement on 21st March, 1948, in
the Racecourse maidan (now Sahrawardy Udyan) and repeated on 24th March,
1948, in the Dhaka University Convocation address generated a new sense of
separateness among the Bangalees about their distinct identity as Bangalees.
Agitation of the Bangalees moved apace. There was the general election in
1954 and the United Front with its, 21-point programme presented before the
people of East Bengal won a landslide victory, sweeping away the Muslim
League from the political area of East Bengal. Martial Law was clamped on
7th October, 1958, by Iskander Mirza who was overthrown by Ayub Khan on 27th
October, 1958.
Thereafter, there was the 17-day Indo-Pakistan war commencing on 6th
September, 1965. During that period India could have easily occupied East
Pakistan, but did not, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who had harboured the idea of
an independent Bangladesh took full advantage of the situation. In the
National Conference in Lahore he floated his historic 6-point programme on
5th February, 1966. Overtly it was a programme for autonomy, but covertly it
was a programme for eventual independence for Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujib and
his party Awami League carried the message of the programme throughout East
Pakistan and the people overwhelmingly accepted it.
The Agartala Conspiracy Case with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the main accused
created such a revulsion in the whole of East Pakistan that Ayub Khan had to
quit, handing over power to General Yahya Khan. Yahya Khan announced a
general election throughout Pakistan on the basis of one man, one vote.
Awami League secured 167 seats out of 169 for East Pakistan, thus becoming
an absolute majority party in the National Assembly of Pakistan, having 167
seats out of 313 seats for the whole of Pakistan. Election to the women
seats could not be held.
Yahya Khan called a sitting the National Assembly for 3rd March. 1971, but
on 1st March, 1971 he abruptly prorogued the sitting of the National
Assembly sine dic. This was a clear manifestation of the conspiracy of the
Pakistan's coterie including Z. A Bhutto to frustrate the result of the
election and not to hand over power to Awami League.
A non-cooperation movement was started and the whole civil administration
took orders from Bangabandhu. Pakistani's authority remained confined in the
cantonment only.
Earlier, the Awami League Parliamentary Party had elected Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman Leader and Syed Nazrul Islam Assistant Leader of the Parliamentary
Party and the Sheikh was given power to take any steps he deemed necessary
for securing the rights of the people. So Sheikh Mujib earned the de facto
authority to rule East Pakistan (Bangladesh). He wielded greater authority
in Bangladesh than Yahya Khan had in West Pakistan even, because Yahya Khan
had no such mandate from the people anywhere in Pakistan. The Bangalee
military officers and other Bangalee military personnel also in their hearts
within had their allegiance to the Sheikh. In the eye of recognized
international law Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the legitimate
authority to rule Bangladesh while the Pakistan's ruling elite headed by
Yahya Khan was an alien power in Bangladesh inasmuch as the Awami League
Parliamentary Party and its leader Bangabandhu embodied the sovereign will
of the people of Bangladesh and had therefore the legitimate authority to
declare the independence of Bangladesh which was a juridical act in
continuation of the de factor authority he was exercising by the all-out
non-cooperation movement against the alien power. This was in consonance
with the intentionally accepted principles. Ziaur Rahman's declaration was a
surrogate act on behalf of Bangabaundhu. The basis of the Declaration of
Independence of America on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia may be referred to
herein below;
"When in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to
dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to
assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station to
which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect
to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes
which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that
among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure
these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just
Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any form of
Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its
Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happines, Prudence,
indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed
for light and transient Causes and accordingly all Experience hath shewn,
that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than
to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed.
But when a long Train of Abuases and Usurpation pursuing invariably the same
Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is
their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide
new Guards for their future Security".
There were declarations of independence of "East Pakistan" (not Bangladesh)
by Maulana Bhasani in his own ways, but those had no juridical value as he
had no such mandate from the people. So none took notice of them.
As a matter of fact, none waited for a formal declaration of independence.
Sporadic skirmishes had already begun in different places. Captain Rafiqul
Islam of EPR had already revolted in Chittagong.
Had there been no formal declaration of independence by Bangabandhu even on
26th March, 1971, there would have been the Mujibnagar Government
representing the people of Bangadesh and the war of liberation conducted
under its control, because the field was already made ready by 23 years of
sustained movement for creation of such a situation and Bangabandhu's March
7 speech was the de fact declaration of independence. The words used
therein were superbly statesmanlike to preempt any scope for the alien enemy
to swoop down on the people right then. There was therein a programme
outlined for a guerrilla-type warfare. The Declaration of Independence by
America was adopted by the Continental Congress by the Representatives of
the United States of America in General Congress assembled. Freedom of a
nation is achieved not by a sudden declaration by somebody, but by years of
sustained struggle therefor.
Bangabandhu's legitimacy to the fatherhood of the Bangalee nation cannot
however, in any way detract from the very valuable contributions made by
different personalities from time to time- the political leaders like
Shere -E-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq, Maulana Bhasani, H. S. Sahrawardy and many
other political leaders and workers and others in different fields in
different ways from 1947 to 1971 and the sacrifices made by them to achieve
freedom for Bangladesh.
(The author is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and a
Columnist).
K-Rahman
and no one herd it. If he did in his kitchen, no one cares. The only
declaration came from Zia. Until the 25th March, Zia was working
under the same constitution that Mujib was doing politics.
Janoar Ullahs never get lesson.
"Jaffor Ullah" <Jaf...@netscape.net> wrote in message news:<OWmn8.172514$Nn6.9...@e3500-atl2.usenetserver.com>...
Shakil Sarwar
closet to appear in another 'dark, dingy scb'.
Janwar ullah,
Cut the crap. Read the proof-laden article appended below.
On 28 Mar 2002 06:55:16 -0800, k_r...@yahoo.com (K-Rahman) wrote:
>That old awami gibberish andrable rousing. zMujib made no declaratin
>and no one herd it. If he did in his kitchen, no one cares. The only
>declaration came from Zia. Until the 25th March, Zia was working
>under the same constitution that Mujib was doing politics.
>
>Janoar Ullahs never get lesson.
On 29 Mar 2002 09:53:43 -0800, asif_h...@hotmail.com (Asif Hasan)
wrote:
>http://www.bangladesh-web.com/news/mar/29/sf29032002.htm#A1
>The myth one: Mujib declared independence
>------------------------------------
>
>Please read Sheikh Mujib's first interview with famous journalist
>David Frost after the independence of Bangladesh in the above link.
>Is there any, whatsoever mentioning of any declaration of
>independence?
>If Mujib is to be given the credit for such declaration(of
>independence),it is not clear if he did even realize how important
>the delcaration was strategically so long as it could not even make it
>to the interview desk as an agenda/issue! Please read meticulously.
>
>"I didn't want to allow them then to tell the world that Mujibur
>Rahman has declared independence..."
>
>Mujib on whether he declared independence anticipating the imminent
>military crack down.
>
>"I wanted them to hit us first and my people were ready to resist it."
>
>Mujib on his plan of liberation war.
>
>The myth two :1971 WAR was against the foundation of Islam
>-------------------------------------------------------
>
>Reading the whole interview, does Mujib look like an Eslami
>Monobhabaponno Bangalee (EMB)? Probably yes! It would be interesting
>to know what Jaffor-Jamal gong has to say about this. In their
>hate-filled, prejudiced world, do some the statements in the article
>pass as 'kosher'-statements from a secular leader? Regardless whether
>it was Mujib or someone else, it was not an war against the principles
>or foundation of Islam.
>
>If it was then why would Mujib the architect of eradication of Islam
>from Bangla Desh would say:
>
>"I think God, the Almighty God saved me."
>
>or say about the Pak military :
>
>"They proclaim to be Muslims. How the Muslims have killed Muslim
>girls.. ....How these people can claim to be Mussalmans. They are
>worse than animals. "
>
>Mujib could easily say I asked my people to fight Islam. But
>sensistive to the
>teaching of Islam, Mujib dismisses the Pakistan occupation army who
>carried out genocide,looting,arson,rape to be real Muslims outright.It
>is important that pseudo- Mujib lovers like Jaffor-Jamal gongs learn
>some simple lessons from their hero.
>
>If atheists are the only existing secularists, should pea-brain
>Jaffor Ullah, the resident hate columnist of NFB engage to despise
>Sheikh Mujib saying some thing like:
>"Seventy-two Houris for you and many more Gilmans for you know who for
>this bright idea about Islamic eschatology."-as he did quite a few
>times to Muslims in this ng.
>
>But in this thread Jaffor appears to be defending Mujib. What kind of
>conviction for secular humanism is this?
>
>In stead of clearing the interview for publication, should not Jaffor
>rather vilify this deeply religious man in Mujib as a die-hard
>Taliban-minded EMB (lungi-clad and betel leaf eater of course!)"
>
>Jaffor Ullah is out to spread anti-Muslim hysteria with a focus on the
>Bengali Muslims, but to no avail. There is nothing wrong to be
>religious as long as there are no excesses. The above historic
>interview also proves that point.
>It is okay to be denominational if you know when you must rise above
>it.
On Sun, 24 Mar 2002 10:14:01 -0600, "Jaffor Ullah"
<Jaf...@netscape.net> wrote:
>The Bangladesh Observer
>Editorial Page
>The Declaration Of Independence
>On 26th March, 1971
>A. M. Abdus Sattar
Declaration of Independence
- Abdullah Al Amin
Much ballyhoo is created in Bangladesh over the issue of who first
declared the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. After Awami League
came to power in 1996, their die-hard leaders and neo-Goebbles
unleashed the propaganda machine to spread lies and invent one story
after another. Their like-minded cohorts of intellectuals started to
claim that Sheikh Mujib was the first person to declare the
independence of Bangladesh on the late hours of 25th March, 1971. They
further claim that Mujib's declaration was read out by one Abdul
Hannan. However, no concrete proofs are presented to substantiate that
claim.
Keeping the whole nation in confusion on the night of March 25, 1971
Mujib surrendered unconditionally to the marauding Pakistani army
anticipating that he could be arrested. Fearing loss of lives the
upper echelon of party members fled to India en masse. This was very
hilarious. There is not a single precedence in the history of the
world where the declarer of independence movement surrenders to the
enemy force after making the declaration in the first place rather
than guiding and motivating people to fight the enemy. More hilarious
was the role of party leaders who fled en masse to India instead of
building resistance against the Pakistani military.
In fact, close scrutiny of old newspaper clips reveals that until the
horrifying night of the 25th March, 1971 Mujib was optimistic about
his negotiation efforts with Pakistani military ruler President Yahya
Khan and Prime Minister Zilfikar Ali Bhutto. Neither Sheikh Mujib nor
his fellow leaders had an iota of idea as to what was to take place
shortly thereafter. Demand for independence of Bangladesh did not
cross the mind of Mujib. He was interested to gain self-governance for
East Pakistan and premiership for himself. But during his 7th March
(Sunday Afternoon), 1971 historic speech at the Race Course Ground, he
was forced by some stubborn Awami Student League leaders to utter,
"Eberer sangram muktir sangram, Eberer sangram sadhinoter sangram."
meaning "This time the struggle is for freedom. This time the struggle
is for independence." But he ended his speech with "Joy Bangla, Jiey
Pakistan." These days Mujib's historic speech is broadcast again and
again on BTV censoring the portion "Jiey Pakistan". Awami League wants
to present this speech as their strongest proof ever as to who first
declared the independence of Bangladesh. Instead of declaring anything
close to independence, Sheikh Mujib said, "The aim, at this stage of
movement, is to eradicate martial law with further delay and hand over
power to the representation elected by the people. Our unarmed and
non-cooperation movement will continue until the target is achieved."
[Daily Sangbad, March 8, 1971].
"On March 27, 1971 Indian newspaper 'Statesman' published a
declaration of independence allegedly crediting Sheikh Mujib. Sent
from the Shilong bureau of Indian News Agency UNI (United News of
India), this declaration was claimed to be broadcast on the night of
March 25, 1971 from a secret radio station located somewhere in the
North-Eastern region of Bengal." ['Bangladesh Documents' published by
Indian Information & Broadcasting Ministry]. But no evidence of the
existence of any such radio station could be found anywhere in that
region. From whence then did this declaration come? It is presumed
that it was pre-recorded by RAW and the broadcast was made from a
secret radio station belonging to RAW. A copy of that declaration was
given to Shilong bureau of UNI.
In contradiction to the above claim Zakaria Khan, editor and owner of
the pro-Awami Daily Bangla Bazar newspaper, offered his testimony, "In
hope of hearing the declaration of independence the Bengalee nation
thronged on the Race Course Ground on March 7, but Bangabandhu, out of
his far-sightedness, told the public on that day -- 'Ebarer shangram
muktir sangram, Ebarer sangram shadhinoter sangram.' He gave the call
(dak) for independence but fell short of declaring (ghoshona) the
independence. Those of us, who were then students, longed to hear the
formal declaration of independence from Bangabandhu in his own voice
on March 7 but returned home in despair." Zakaria Khan recalled that
he was then mildly rebuked by the Awami League leaders for inquiring
about the reasons behind Mujib's stopping short of declaring
independence on that day. Awami League leaders told him that if Sheikh
Mujib were to declare independence on that day Ramna Race Course would
have turned into a graveyard. Zakaria Khan then alluded to the book of
General (Rtd) Niazi in support of his claim which stated that Mujib
did the right thing on that day by not declaring independence. Zakaria
Khan concluded saying, 'As such, March 26, in lieu of March 7, fits to
be our Independence Day.' " [Sat March: Banglabandhu Shadhinoter Katha
Bol-len : Shadhinoter Ghoshona Dilen Na (March 7: Bangabandhu Spoke of
Independence But Did Not Declare Independence) by Zakaria Khan, Dainik
Bangla Bazar Patrika, March 7, 2000]
Justice Habibur Rahman Shelley (Chief Advisor to Caretaker govt in
1996), who aligned himself with Awami League after retirement from his
post in the Caretaker govt., quoted Mujib's historic 7th March speech
on page 38 of his book "Bangladesher Tarikh" in this way -- "… Rokto
Jakhon Diyechhi Rokto Aro Debo. Tobu Aey Desher Manushkey Mukto Korey
Chharbo Inshallah. Ebarer shangram muktir sangram, Ebarer sangram
shadhinoter sangram. Joy Bangla, Jiey Pakistan." ['Since we already
shed blood we shall shed more. Nevertheless I shall, by the grace of
Allah, liberate the people of this country. This time the struggle is
for freedom. This time the struggle is for independence. Victory for
Bangladesh, Victory for Pakistan']. But the version of Mujib's 7th
March speech that is now broadcast in govt-controlled Radio and TV has
'Jiey Pakistan' expunged from the original. That's why, whereas the
original speech contained 1,006 words, the tampered (by the Awami
neo-Goebbles) speech now contains 1,004 words.
The concluding part of Mujib's speech bears testimony to the
vascillating and faltering stance of Mujib on that day in particular
and on those days in general. He wanted to work, as much as possible,
within the legal framework of the existing constitution and settle for
a confederation status for East Pakistan rather than complete
independence. A perusal of General (Rtd) Rao Farman Ali's booklet
"Bhutto, Mujib and Bangladesh" supports this view. While Awami League
party henchmen and their sympathizers take highly-bloated pride in the
7th March speech of Sheikh Mujib for being the declaration of
independence, it is interesting to note that Mujib's 7th March speech
was also hailed by Yahya Khan, the erstwhile military ruler of
Pakistan. Upon hearing about the speech, he is said to have commented,
"There couldn't have been a better speech than this one at this time."
On the top of that, Pakistan Army did not feel threatened at all at
this. Mujib exchanged words with General Yahya Khan about his 7th
March speech beforehand. Dr. G. W. Choudhury wrote, "While many
people, well ahead of Mujib's 7th March public gathering, hoped to
hear him finally declare independence, Yahya Khan had a lengthy
discussion with Mujib. The tone of voice was still cordial; the two
were still then eager to discuss. Mujib invited Yahya to pay a visit
to Dhaka to see the ready-to-explode plight of Dhaka with his own
eyes. Yahya, in turn, requested Mujib not to take any unretractable
step. … Mujib did not declare independence on March 7." [Akhondo
Pakistaner Shesh Dingooli (Last Days of Undivided Pakistan) by G.W.
Choudhury, p.152].
Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mian's the Daily Ittefaq was then basically the
mouthpiece of Awami League. It enjoyed huge popularity during that
time. On March 8, 1971 Ittefaq carried the following lead headline --
"Porishodey Jawar Proshno Bibechona Koritey Pari Jodi …" (May Consider
To Attend Assembly [Parliament] if …). Ittefaq then enumerated the
four pre-conditions of Mujib, but there was no mention of Mujib's
declaration of independence! Had Mujib declared independence on March
7, it would have surely come out in next day's newspapers -- at least
in Ittefaq which nurtured a soft corner for Awami League. Student
leaders like Tofail Ahmed, ASM Abdur Rob, Shahjahan Shiraj,
Noor-e-Alam Siddiqui, Abdul Quddus Makhan, et al were very close to
the stage Mujib stood on March 7. It was out of pressure from these
student leaders that Mujib was compelled to utter " Ebarer shangram
…".
These are, among many others, some of the disturbing (to certain type
of individuals) matters that call for close scrunity of the events
taking place in those eventful days of 1971. It is painful to see that
an overwhelming number of Awami intelligentsia and partymen like to
conveniently turn deaf ears and blind eyes to these puzzling
questions; they just continue to harp in their own way and busk in the
sun of vacuous pride and knee-deep prejudice. Mujib's daughter Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina's 7th March, 2000 is a recent example of this.
She told a crowd at Paltan Ground, "Sheikh Mujib declared independence
on the late night of March 25 [not March 7] of 1971 from his residence
at 32 Dhanmondi. That declaration was relayed to all parts of the
country including Chittagong through BDR's Pilkhana Wareless Station."
With this statement Sheikh Hasina contradicted the claims laid by many
of her party members & sympathizers and convoluted the whole debate on
the issue of the date of Mujib's declaration of independence.
Mujib's condition during those tumultous days was like riding on the
shoulder of a hungry tiger -- danger was awaiting for him whether he
were to remain on the tiger's shoulder or get down on the ground in
front of the tiger. Most, if not all, Awami Leaguers brag about
Mujib's 6-point demands as the Magnacarta or charter for our
independence. But the readers might get utterly shocked to know what
Sheikh Mujib himself had to say about it --"Six points are not meant
only for the people of Bengal but also for the exploited people of
West Pakistan". [Bangladesh Sheikh Mujib by Dr. Mazharul Islam (Awami
intellectualist), p. 55].
It is surprising to note that Mujib himself never claimed to declare
independence. Noted British journalist David Frost interviewed Sheikh
Mujib on January 18, 1972 for broadcast via WNEW TV of New York. David
asked Mujib, "Did you intend to declare the independence of Bangladesh
in your 7th March speech at Race Course Ground?" Mujib replied, "I
knew what could have been the consequences of that declaration. As
such, I said, "Ebarer sangram muktir sangram, Ebarer sangram
shadhinoter sangram." David questioned again, "What could have
happened If you were to declare the independence of Bangladesh on that
day?" "I did not want to do that on that particular day, because I did
not want to give opportunity to them [West Pakistani military junta]
to tell the world that since Mujib had declared independence we had no
choice but crack down on the Bengalees…", answered Mujib. [Refer to
Bangladesh Documents published by Information and Broadcasting
Ministry of India, vol ii, p.63 or Bangalee Hattakando Abong
Pakistaner Bhangon (Murder of The Bangalees and The Breakup of
Pakistan) by Masudul Hoque, pages 147].
The fact that Mujib did not declare independence can be heard from
ex-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In her 6th November, 1971
speech at Columbia University (New York), Indira Gandhi said, "This
other country has pushed across the border people who did not vote for
their government but voted for the regime they wanted. There is no
other crime which these people have committed, because the cry for
independence arose after Sheikh Mujib was arrested and not before. He
himself, so far as I know, has not asked for independence, even now."
[Kingbodonti, April 15, 1998, page 19].
On the other hand, there still exists a good number of living people
who can testify to the fact that it was Major Zia who first declared,
on March 26, 1971 around the time of Maghrib prayer, the independence
of Bangladesh from Kalurghat Radio Transmission Station with the
following words, "I, Major Zia, as the provisional commander-in-chief
of Bangladesh Liberation Force, do hereby declare the independence of
Bangladesh. I appeal to all Governments to mobilise public opinion in
their respective countries against the brutal genocide in Bangladesh."
The following day he revised the declaration with the wording 'on
behalf of Sheikh Mujibbur Rahman.' Other proofs abound. Here are a
few:
Noted film producer Chashi Nazrul Islam used the original voice of
Major Zia in his liberation-based films "Ora Egarojon" (They Were
Eleven in Number) and "Sangram" (Struggle). But during the rule of
Mujib's govt., that voice was censored from the films. Chashi Nazrul
did not give up at that. He later re-used Zia's declaration with Zia's
original voice in his documentary film "Desh, Jati Ziaur Rahman"
(Country, Nation & Ziaur Rahman).
Tajuddin Ahmed, the Prime Minister of the Provisional Govt. of
Bangladesh, delivered a speech from the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra
(Radio Station of Independent Bangla) on April 11, 1971 using these
words, "Commendable success achieved by our fighting soldiers, the
increase of public participation with the soldiers, the capture of
arms and ammunitions have enabled the people's republic of Bangladesh,
which was first declared by Major Ziaur Rahman, to establish a a fully
functional operational base from whence administrative instructions
are being carried out for the areas that have been liberated from
Pakistani army…. Execution of military operations in Chittagong and
Noakhali regions is led by Major Ziaur Rahman. Resistance has gained
strength in Chittagong city in face of [Pakistani] army, Navy and
Airforce. The brevity of our freedom fighters as well as the general
public of Chittagong, in face of the enemy forces, will earn an
honorable place alongside Stalingrad where a similar freedom fighting
incident also took place." [Failure of Sheikh Mujib, Success of Shahid
Zia by Kazi Shiraz, Daily Dinkal, Chaitra 7, 1404].
At a banquet given in honour of the late president Ziaur Rahman,
during his official visit to India in December 17, 1977, the erstwhile
Indian president Sanjib Reddy said in his speech, "Your position is
already assured in the annals of the history of your country as a
brave freedom fighter who was the first to declare the independence of
Bangladesh." [Bangladesh in International Politics by Prof Shamsul
Hoque, p.96].
Although Ziaur Rahman's full declaration does not fully appear in the
"History of Liberation of Bangladesh" documents (Muktijudder Dolil
edited by poet Hafizur Rahman and published by Bangla Academy),
portion of his declaration in written form along with his signature
does appear on the 3rd volume of the above masterpiece. A note appears
there stating that the first declaration was destroyed due to some
security reasons (?). The announcement that has been cited there
crediting Mujib does not bear his signature. This fact clearly proves
that Mujib did not send any declaration of independence on the late
night of March 25, 1971.
"Even Indira Gandhi cast doubt on Mujib's intention to declare
independence. Khandoker Mustaque said, 'When Indira Gandhi asked us -
'Elaborate to me your military strategy. The General himself
surrendered immediately after the war broke out and instructed all of
you to continue the war. What kind of military strategy is this?' We
could not answer to that question. We could not put forward any
argument concerning Sheikh Saheb's surrender to Pakistan army.'"
['Dhaka, Agartala, Mujibnagar' by M. A. Mohaimen (ex-Awami League MP),
Pioneer Publications]. In the book, Mohaimen offered his answer in his
above mentioned book - "Even I myself could not accept Sheikh Saheb's
surrender on that night. Whatever is said about this matter, I harbour
the opinion that Sheikh Saheb could not imagine that Awami League
leaders, under the leadership of Tajuddin Saheb, would ever cross the
border to unite for a liberation war and bring about the independence
of Bangladesh. He thought that the Pakistan army would easily be able
to gain control of the situation within a short time. In that process,
they would kill a number of higher and lower level leaders and
temporarily try to stabilise the situation by killing 10~12 thousand
workers. Ultimately, they would fail to stop the mass uprising. After
the lodgement of Agartala lawsuit, the way people of this country
created pressure to bring him out of the jail, Pakistan govt., due to
massive campaigning effort, will be compelled to release him and hand
over the power to him. He never thought about launching a struggle for
independence or fighting for independence. He did not take
preparations since he did not harbor the idea of attaining
independence. He did not contact his Indian counterparts. He
instructed the leaders to go in hiding near Dhaka. He did not give out
orders to anyone to go to India. He did not tell anyone to go to
India. Maybe, that was because his confidence level in himself was not
strong enough. So, he could not have declared independence he never
thought of."
Cezanne Huq
Horn." This intereview was a tactical description of what Mujib
envisaged as the Bangladeshi liberation war. From a strategic point of
view, Mujib like any smart politician, leveraged humanitarion and
civil liberties issues to engender the massess who would then fight
for his own aspirations. He knew that as long as the Pakistanis had a
chokehold on Bangladesh--his roots--he would go nowhere and Bengalis
were doomed to indentured servitude. Obviously, there are layers to
this equation as you zoom in and out of those times.
Finally, these discussions are mute and pointless, people died for a
valuable cause and it should have a global impact. Banga bandhu to me
are the collective efforts of the people that gave their lives to free
Bangladeshis. If we need a face to put on the Father of bangladesh
then I wouldn't mind Mujib. The bigger picture here is that religion
was a secondary cause for the freedom movement! This is what we need
to focus on and write about. This is what makes the history books!
Look our efforts are better spent on universal education, Bangladesh
could be the next Afghanistan, get with the program!
Cezanne
asif_h...@hotmail.com (Asif Hasan) wrote in message news:<df51654a.02032...@posting.google.com>...
Asif Hasan
> You know something, it doesn't matter who sounded the "Independence
> Horn." This intereview was a tactical description of what Mujib
> envisaged as the Bangladeshi liberation war.
It was also a personal account of the fateful night of military
operation given by Mujib. Mujib talked about his library books,even
his tobacco pipe, but did not mention a word about a declaration of
independence, is it credible?
Actually Mujib was truthful, why should he tlk about some thing he did
not do?
From a strategic point of
> view, Mujib like any smart politician, leveraged humanitarion and
> civil liberties issues to engender the massess who would then fight
> for his own aspirations. He knew that as long as the Pakistanis had a
> chokehold on Bangladesh--his roots--he would go nowhere and Bengalis
> were doomed to indentured servitude. Obviously, there are layers to
> this equation as you zoom in and out of those times.
>
> Finally, these discussions are mute and pointless, people died for a
> valuable cause and it should have a global impact. Banga bandhu to me
> are the collective efforts of the people that gave their lives to free
> Bangladeshis. If we need a face to put on the Father of bangladesh
> then I wouldn't mind Mujib. The bigger picture here is that religion
> was a secondary cause for the freedom movement!
Sorry, religion by itself was not in the bigger picture there in the
Bangladesh war. It is a smart propaganda reconstructed much later.
People of Bangladesh had absolutely nothing to do with that agenda. If
that was the case, fine with me, in stead preying votes by deception,
why did not Mujib tell his people in the most plain language that the
freedom movement will free people from Islam.
Mujib could say in his samatatian dialect: "Aro rokto dibo, Islam-re
eibare khedaya dibo"
I can gurantee you, Mujib's AL would not have gotten even 10 seats in
the election. Mowlana Bhashani would never have stood by Mujib's side
during the unpredicted episodes in March 1971. "Islam, Bangla desh and
myself " per his words, were the soul priority of Mowlana. Before
stories are fabricated further, let me tell you Awami league never
savored any type of revolutionary ideology,as compared to the extreme
leftist NAP. AL was a right,of the center semi-bourgeosis party,that
fit the aspirations of middle class. In the Rose Garden Eskaton,
Dacca, when Awami league was born as Awami Muslim league in 1949, its
membership was kept restricted to the Muslims only. It was not until
1955 (after language movement) that this clause was lifted. Not only
that Awami league chief Suhrawardy built his house in West
Pakistan.His offsprings are Pakistani nationals- some living in the
U.K. AL leaders even taunted NAP as the 'Nehru Aided Party' because
of its projected India bias. Awami league could not rid itself from an
Urdu name after 31 years of liberation, and you are telling us that
Awami league's liberation movement was prompted by a need to put an
end to religion?
If you say "in the name of religion" the West Pakistanis subjugated
the eastern wing people, that is acceptable. True, many West
Pakistanis thought they were better Muslims than us. But then this
silly biasage is not necessarily pampered by the religion, a feeling
of ethnic superiority that Islam prohibits.
Even science can be a tool of exploitation, per se. Nuclear Weapon is
an example. While Bangla people are no fanatics, they never shared an
aspiration of a religion free society. If Mujib did, good for
him,then again he is dead,and dead man tells no tales.
Even many religious people are talking about separation of church and
state these days, but that is just to ensure equal rights for the
minority in all respects, but it is not prompted by the feeling that
religion is the cause for the human suffering.
Cezanne Huq
Read my message carefully, I think you misunderstood pretty much every
word and point.
Your homeowork, define tactics and also make your point.
asif_h...@hotmail.com (Asif Hasan) wrote in message news:<df51654a.0203...@posting.google.com>...