History of 1971: March 11

 

• In demand of an independent Bangladesh, under the instruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all co-operation with the government is kept suspended. And keeping in lieu with Bangabandhu’s agitation the high court judge and administrative Secretary along with many office goers throughout the country quit office.
• Fighting civilians put up barriers and create obstacles in the process of procurement of day to day items by the Military authorities. In Sylhet, one convoy supplying rations is intercepted by the civilians.
• That night, 114 number military order is enforced saying that if any civilians willingly or unwillingly harms the government property or creates obstacles in the work of the military that will be punishable by law
• In Tangail, Bindubashini High school field, NAP leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan in a people’s rally announces his support for the freedom fight and says Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the leader of 7 crore people and to follow his instructions. To achieve the goals all must unite and fight together.

History of 1971: March 10

 

• Under the instruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all government and semi-government institutions remain closed for the tenth day. Whilst the Bangladeshi Flag inlaid with the Map of Bangladesh flies on the roof of every household, even Rajarbagh Police line, police stations, High court and the Justice Residence also hoisted the Bangladesh Flag.
• In Dhaka Bangabandhu in a statement said that the order that he had issued to keep offices, banks and other institutions to be closed is being followed through along with that he also said that this is a ploy to keep the country in the grips of a military led rule and to instigate emergency situation in the nation.
• In Karachi, in a press briefing, NAP chief Wali Khan tells the Journalists that he will head to Bangladesh to meet with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 13th March.
• People’s Party Chairman sent a telegram/telephone message Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Highlighting the plight of the nation, saying that the country is in grave uncertainty and the future of the country is in blurs, and says that both have responsibilities in this circumstance and they need to do whatever is required to protect the nation.
• In Karachi, Air Marshall Asghar Khan says that situation is changing very swiftly and to protect the country from being separated and in protecting the country’s future many responsibilities are there and steps need to be taken. And right now in Dhaka, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the acting government and his orders are being taken, and only in the cantonment premises are the flag of Pakistan flying and unless power is handed to the major vote winning party this issue cannot be solved.

History of 1971: March 8

 

• At 8:30am with the airing of Bangabandhu’s Race course speech work resumes in Dhaka radio station.
• Chhatra League president Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, General Secretary Shahjahan Shiraj and Daksur Vice President A.S.M Abdur Rob and general secretary Abdul Quddus Makhan in a joint statement say that this present fight to be termed as a “Freedom Fight” and Bangabandhu as the father of the Nation. They also give their complete consent with the speech given at the Race course field along with the upcoming arrangements.
• Late that night in another statement by General secretary of Awami League, it is said that the Press note released by the Military authorities gives a gross and wrong depiction of events significantly lowering the number of casualties and deaths suffered by innocent civilians when they are involved in processions and rallies fighting for their rights.
• Almost 10 thousand Bangladeshis living in Britain gather in front of the Pakistani High commission in London demanding for an Independent Bangladesh.
• In Rajshahi, the Military authorities imposed curfew from 9pm in the night for an indefinite period and this is deemed as unreasonable and the military is urged to withdraw the curfew.
• In the morning, the Bangladeshi people working in PIA, march out of the Airport and take a procession to Sheikh Mujib’s Dhanmondi Residence.

History of 1971: March 7

• In the evening Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in a historical congregation of almost 10 lakh people in a 20 minute long speech announces “Ebarer Shongram amader muktir shongram, Ebarer shongram, shadhinotar Shongram” (This war is a war for independence, this war is a war for Freedom)
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reached the Race course premises at 3:15 pm in a white Punjabi and Pajama with the characteristic Black overcoat. As he walked on the stage, the confluence of people welcomed him with Slogans of Joy Bangla. In his speech he urged everyone “raise forts in every house, fight the enemy with what you have at hand”. He also said, “I don’t want the premiership of the country, all I want is the right of the people of this land and if one fire is shot and if one my men is hurt and I am unable to give any advice then you fight, you fight the enemy with what you have at hand. Since we have already shed blood, we will shed even more blood, we will free the people of this country In’shaallah”
• People are chanting slogans in response to the speech urging all to fight for Bangladesh’s Freedom.
• In opposition to the fact that Sheikh Mujib’s Speech is not relayed on Dhaka Betaar, all employed Bangladeshis working in Dhaka Betaar suspended the broadcast of all programs and when the news of the relay reached the people, all Bangladeshis waited eagerly with radio in hand to listen to the historic speech. However the Military authorities decided to bar the speech from being broadcasted and this resulted in the complete breakdown of all work in the radio station. Eventually authorities are forced to allow the speech to be broadcasted and in deep into the night Bangabandhu’s speech is decided to be aired and work resumes in the Dhaka radio station.
• After the speech, in a Press conference in Dhaka, Air Marshall Retired Asghar Ali Khan asked for the handover of power to the Majority winning Party of Awami league and also urged the withdrawal of power from Military authorities.

History of 1971: March 6

 

• Agitated Bengal is now high in the fervor of meetings-conferences and rallies. In
• Dhaka, the hartal continued for the 6th day and like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked strikes kept continuing in a peaceful manner whilst people who did not get their salaries from their offices, as advised go to collect them after 2:30pm.
• At 11 in the morning, 321 prisoners break open the central jail to escape, during the escapade, 7 are shot whilst 30 are injured.
• Pakistan President Yahya Khan in the afternoon in a radio broadcast invites for the National Committee meeting to be held on the 25th March and also says that as long Pakistan Military is under his command and as long as he is the president he will ensure the solidarity of Pakistan unchallenged.
• Soon after the announcement by Yahya, spontaneous processions are led out by people in Narayanganj and Dhaka. In Rawalpindi, Peoples Party Chairman Z.A. Bhutto welcome the proposal by President Yahya and in a Press conference he says that his political party is interested in putting together a structure for the government even prior to the National committee meeting.
• In an interview in Lahore, Muslim League leader Air Marshall Nur Khan said that it is the legal right of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to be able to rule the country. He urges that all barriers to the handover of power be overcome immediately and he also expresses remorse over the accusation on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in regard to the deteriorating condition of the country brought about in the speech by the president.
• President and chief Marshall Law Administrator General Yahya Khan appointed Lieutenant General Tikka Khan as the Governor of East Pakistan.

History of 1971: March 5

• On the fifth day of the hartal, under fire from members of Armed forces 4 laborers while 25 of them get hurt in Tongi. Upon receiving this news, people in Dhaka city burst out in anger.
• In Dhaka, announcements are made saying that the Army has been moved back to the barracks.
• In Rawalpindi, People’s Party Chairman Z. A. Bhutto talks to President Yahya in the Presidential residence for more than 5 hours.
• Retired Air Marshall Asghar Khan reaches Dhaka in the evening from Karachi and holds a meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his Dhanmondi Residence.
• That night Sheikh Mujibur Rahman completely shuns the news broadcasted by foreign radio saying that he is willing to share and separate the country with Bhutto claiming that this news is ill fated and only imagined by Mr Bhutto.
• The main leader of the 11 point demand, Mr Tofayel Ahmed urges the radio station Dhaka Betaar to directly relay the speech to be made by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the upcoming 7th March rally on the Race Course Premises.
• After the meeting between Z.A Bhutto and President Yahya in Rawalpindi, the spokesperson for Peoples Party says that the reaction and response of Awami league to the suspension of the National Committee meeting is utterly baseless and has no validity.

History of 1971: March 4

• During the strike, 6 people are martyred in Khulna, and in Chittagong, the death toll including March 4, falls at 121.
• Radio Pakistan Dhaka Kendra, starts broadcasting as Dhaka Betaar Kendra, and Pakistan television starts broadcasting as Dhaka Television. Radio-Television artists announce that until, the people and students of the country continue to fight, till then they will also not participate in any programs of television and radio.
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in one speech says, without immense sacrifice no country has ever achieved independence. He says we need to stand up against this ploy to continue the repression and rule of a colonial era and applauds the nation’s courage in standing up against this.
• Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for hartals on 5 & 6 March starting from 6am in the morning to 2pm in the afternoon. He also says, that those office-goers both public and private who have not yet received their salary, those offices will remain open from 2:30pm to 4pm.
• In a press conference in Karachi Press club, (Retired) air marshal Asghar Khan urges Awami League to hand over power to keep the country from being separated.
• The students and 55 teachers in Dhaka University in individual statements express anger over the role of Dhaka’s Pakistan Observer against public opinion
• In Pakistan,Karachi, People’s Party Chairman, Z.A. Bhutto in a press conference said that to reduce the friction/ anger in the country they would try their best to meet the 6 point demand.

History of 1971: March 3

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• Called by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, complete strikes are observed all through Bangladesh for the first time and in the Capital Dhaka for the second time. During the strike general going-on in the city comes to a complete standstill.
• During the strike, in the spontaneous processions brought about by general people, under fire of Pakistani Military many people die. Apart from Dhaka, curfew is imposed on Rangpur and Sylhet.
• In Rangpur, as fight breaks out between Pakistani army men and civilians, from 2:30pm in the afternoon a 24 hour curfew is imposed. In Sylhet the Curfew is imposed from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening. Whereas in Dhaka the curfew time is softened and changed from 10:30 in the night to 6 in the morning.
• President Yahya Khan, in an announcement said that a meeting would be arranged on the coming 10th March between the political leaders. This is announced from the President Bhaban in Rawalpindi where it is also said that after the conference, within two weeks, the national Parliamentary/committee assembly will be held. Bangabandhu, instantly rejects the invitation by President Yahya Khan.
• Bangabandhu says in a speech directed towards Mr Bhutto, that “if you do not want a democratically elected government, then you can form your own government. We will form the government/constitution of Bangladesh” said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

History of 1971: March 2

• In a historic student rally held in Bottola of the Dhaka University Premises, the Bangladesh flag with the Map of Bangladesh inlaid in it is hoisted. The Flag is hoisted by Student leader A. S. M. Abdur Rob, along with him are present Chhatra Sangram Parishad leader Tofayel Ahmed,Abdul Quddus Makhan, and Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui are present.In this huge meeting, determination is expressed to undergo any sacrifice and continue to fight till the end. An oath is taken in the beginning of the meeting by the student body under the leadership of Bangabandhu to continue the fight for freedom. In the meeting, Chhatra League secretary Shahjahan Shiraj and Dakshur general secretary Abdul Quddus Makhan also give speeches. After the meeting ends a huge procession is lead out chanting Freedom/independence slogans ending at Baitul Mukarram.
• In the afternoon, the Pakistani flag is pulled down and the Bangladeshi Flag inlaid with Bangladesh map is hoisted in the Dhaka University and in the Secretariat premises.
• Suddenly that very night curfew is imposed in the Dhaka City through radio. As soon as the curfew is announced, students from student hostels and student-general people alike headed out from their houses to chant slogans opposing the curfew and took out processions. Their slogan is “Shandho Ain Mani na”, “ Joy Bangla”, “Bir Bangali osthro dhoro, Bangladesh shadhin Koro”. Throughout the city the curfew is broken and barricades are formed. In DIT intersection, in front of the Morning News Newspaper office, at 09:30pm the military open fire on the people. When a huge procession of people break the curfew and head towards the Governor’s house, shots are fired at them as well. Apart from this, reckless shots are fired at everyone who broke the curfew in various areas.

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History of 1971: March 1

• President Yahya in a sudden radio speech suspends the national committee session to be held on 3rd march for an indefinite period. He says, as one of the major parties of Pakistan, People’s Party and some other parties express that they are unwilling to join in the National (Parliamentary) committee session scheduled for March 3, this decision has been taken.
• Upon hearing the news of suspension of the National (parliamentary) committee suspension by President Yahya Khan, Dhaka city erupts in anger and eventually group by group people of all classes take to the streets, and spontaneously all stores and business centers in the city close down as well.
• The cricket match being held in Dhaka stadium between BCCP and International XI is suspended. The audiences leave the stadium to take part in protests and they head towards Hotel Purbani in Motijheel to receive further directions from Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Political leaders from Bangladesh deliver individual statements expressing ardent opposition against suspension of National parliamentary Committee session and refer to the president’s announcement as an initiative to abolish the process of re-establishing sovereignty of citizens and delivering/handing over the power to the people’s representatives.
• After the Parliamentary party meeting in Hotel Purbani in a crowded press conference Awami league chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman expresses severe/deep objection to President Yahya Khan’s Announcement of suspending the national/Parliamentary committee meeting and also says that the people of the country have refused the decision and deem it unacceptable. In regard of this decision (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) calls for a hartal/strike in Dhaka on 2nd March, countrywide strike on 3rd March and a rally in Race course field on 7th March as a part of an all pervading agitation or movement. He also says, in the Race course rally the complete policy implications, as a part of the total agitation will be announced. Regarding the current situation, he says, he will immediately hold talks with the political leaders.
• Later in the evening he talks about the changed political situation with various political leaders and after the evening he selects a representative to talk to Maulana Bhashani.
• Pakistan Muslim League Chief Khan Abdul Qayyum called the decision of the President as “the only correct decision” and welcomes it. In opposition to this secretary general Khan A. Shochib announces to resign as a member and secretary of the party.
• That night, President and Chief Marshall Law Administrator General A. M. Yahya Khan, appoints Lieutenant General Shahebzada M Eyakur Rahman, Kha region’s, Military dictator as the Civil administrator/ruler of the state. Deep into the night, Kha region’s Military ruler sends out a new order wherein no news or photograph that hurts the oneness and sovereignty of the nation can be published.
• The general strike that People’s Party have called in West Pakistan because of the National Parliamentary/Committee meeting scheduled to be held is called off after the President announces the suspension of the meeting.

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Source: Liberation war Museum