Archive for March 2015

March 1971

Voice of 71

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Title: March 1971
Author: Voice of 71
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March 01: People tuned their radios and turned their TVs on because President Agha Yahiya Khan was supposed to address the na...

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<b style="text-align: left;">March 01:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>People tuned their radios and turned their TVs on because President Agha Yahiya Khan was supposed to address the nation. However, someone else read out a statement that President Yahya Khan has <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0301_71_yahya_press_statement.htm">announced</a> the postponement until “a later date” of the National Assembly. He termed it Pakistan’s “<a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=100">gravest political crisis</a>.” Hundreds of thousands of enraged people took the streets.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0301_71_mujib_calls.htm">Mujib reacts and calls for emancipation of Bengalees</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib held a press conference and said that this was not democracy but dictatorship and as a sign of revolt the people would observe general strike on 2nd March in Dhaka and the whole country on the 3rd. He also said further announcements would be held on March 7th.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mr. Shirajul Alam Khan (the man with the idea), ASM Rab and Shajahan Shiraj of Chhatra (Student) League believed that only an armed revolution to create an independent socialist Bangladesh was the way. They demanded the indepndence of Bangladesh right away.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>For the first time in Bengali history, slogans demanding independence for Bangladesh were heard: “Bir Bangali ostro dhoro Bangladesh shwadhin koro (Courageous Bengalis, take up arms and free Bangladesh)”.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Governor East Pakistan Admiral S. M. Ahsan, who refuses to open fire on the Bengalis if they go on strike, is replaced by General Sahibzada Yaqoob Khan.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“In response to a request from the Government of Pakistan, a decision was reached in Washington on March 1 to divert to West Pakistan 150,000 tons of wheat intended for disaster relief in East Pakistan. The request was triggered by grain shortages and rising prices in West Pakistan.” -<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0326_specialactionsgroup.htm">WSAG minutes</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 2:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Curfew was clamped in Dhaka from 8 am to 7 pm. However, the indomitable Bangalees took to the streets. Many were gunned down by the Pakistani troops.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=101">Bengalees reacts</a>. Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0302_mujib_condemns_firing.htm">denounced firing on unarmed men and declares province-wide Hartal</a> on each day from 3rd March 1971 to the 6th March, 1971 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. in all spheres.Defiant students (Central Students Action Committee) at Dhaka University led by A. S. M Abdur Rab (VP of the student government), Shajahan Siraj (GS of student govt), Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, and Abdul Kuddus Makhan held a massive rally. Here for the first time the Independent Bangla Flag (currently Bangladesh flag is the same just without the golden map of Bangladesh inside the red circle) was raised by Rab at the historic Battala at the University of Dhaka.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 3:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Rab and Siraj read out the declaration of Independence of Bangladesh at a public rally in the presence of Sheikh Mujib fearing that since Mujib was in negotiations with Yahiya the revolutionary spirit was on the wane. But Mujib called for <a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=102">a non-violent non-cooperation movement</a> instead of revolution. This day which was to have been the day for the sitting of the National Assembly was observed as a day of national mourning. Mujib demands in a meeting "<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0303skspeechpbmeeting.htm">Withdraw forces, transfer power</a>".</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Curfew imposed in Sylhet, Rangpur, Chittagong, and Khulna. Angry mob burned the Pakistani flag angered by the decision to postpone the Assembly session.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Yahya Khan continues to posture for negotiations while non-bengali regiments of soldiers are surreptitiously flown into Dhaka from West Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0303m_reject_invite.htm">rejected the invitation of President Yahya Khan</a> to attend the proposed meeting of the leaders of all the parliamentary groups in the national assembly on March 10.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 4:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=96">Non cooperation movement continued</a>. <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0304_71_mujib_congratulates.htm">Mujib congratulates people for stirring response to his call</a>. He had asked the Government and non-Government offices where employees have not yet been paid their salaries, to function between 2-30 p.m. to 4-30 p.m. for the purposes of disbursing salaries during the next two days of Hartal.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0304_71_haroldsaunders.htm">US Embassy’s communication confirms</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Mujib has admitted to several foreign correspondents “off the record” that he will announce the equivalent to independence for East Pakistan on Sunday (March 7). He did, however, go on to say that the East and West wings should write their respective constitutions and thereafter discussions over the form of linkage could take place. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At least one Pakistani air force C-130 has been seen flying into Dacca and there are recurrent reports of forces being flown into Dacca via the Pakistani commercial airline and of the movement of troops from the West via ship….It is known that there is pressure from some elements in the military to make a quick repressive strike against the East Pakistani leaders in hopes of cowing them and the rest of the province.”</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>General Khan resigns protesting Yahya’s refusal to visit East Pakistan; General Tikka Khan takes over as Governor East Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 5:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Public demonstrations against a West Pakistani scheme to prevent the Bengalees from forming a Government are brutally suppressed. <a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=97">300 killed in army actions on protesters</a>. <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0305_71_army_withdrawn.htm">Army Withdrawn to Barracks- East Wing protest continues- Firing in Tongi, Rajshahi.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 6:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>President Yahiya Khan announced that the Assembly session would be held on the 23rd of March and appointed General Tikka Khan as the Governor of East Pakistan. <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0306_71_text_yahya_broadcast.htm">Text of the address to the nation by the President Yahya Khan, broadcast over Radio Pakistan network.</a> Minutes of senior review group meeting in US Department of state including <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0306_71_minutesreview.htm">Henry Kissinger</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another reason for our not taking the lead is that West Pakistan is very suspicious that we are supporting a separate East Pakistan state. If we tell Yahya to call off the use of force, it will merely fuel this suspicion.</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 7:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0307_71_minority_group.htm">Mujib said after two day long AL working committee meeting</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It is only too clear to the people of the country and indeed the world that it is a minority group of Western Wing which has obstructed and is continuing to obstruct the transfer of power”.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced his decision to participate in the National Assembly session provided his four-point demand was accepted before the session. This negligence, <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0307_skdecision.htm">he said</a>, towards the leaders of the majority party was in fact a dishonour shown to the seven crore people of Bangla Desh.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://genocidebangladesh.org/?p=99">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s speech at the Racecourse Ground in front of about a million people</a>.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Mujib announced 4 preconditions for participating in the Assembly session.  </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Withdrawal of the martial law<br />
2. Return of the troops back to their barracks.<br />
3. Power handed back to the elected people’s representatives.<br />
4. Proper investigation into the killings of unarmed civilians.  </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, raising his fist Bangabandhu cried out at the top of his voice : “OUR STRUGGLE THIS TIME IS A STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM, OUR STRUGGLE THIS TIME IS A STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE. JOY BANGLA.”</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>He asked that every house become a fort and attack the enemy wherever they can.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 8:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>“People’s rule” by Bangabandhu, became the order of the day. The Bangalis were supremely disciplined and dedicated in this matter. Every man, woman and child scrupulously following the dictates of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib asked for black flags to be raised on roof-tops for a week. He again asked for total shutdown and that no money be transmitted from the East to the West for an indefinite period.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>In the evening Tajuddin Ahmad issued several clarifications and exemptions to mitigate public hardship and to prevent damage to the East Bangla economy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 9:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Maulana Bhasani held a mammoth rally at Paltan Maydan extending his support to Mujib. 2 Bhasani asked Yahiya Khan to acknowledge the independence of Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Tikka Khan had arrived in Dhaka a few days after the non-cooperation movement had started, to take up the dual role of Governor and Martial Law Administrator for the Eastern part. But he had not yet sworn it. Finally he decided to be formally sworn in as Governor and summoned the chief justice of East Bangla for the purpose of administering the oath. Justice Siddique very politely declined. So did the other judges of the Dhaka High Court. This proved that Bangabandhu’s directives were being obeyed even at that top level.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Leftist forces of Bangla in exile formed the Bangladesh Jatiyo Mukti Songram Somonnoy Committee (Bangladesh National Freedom Struggle Organizing Committee) with Bhasani as the leader at Beleghata, Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The Bangladesh government in exile also formed the All Party Advisory Committee under Bhasani’s leadership. The others were Moni Singh (Founder of the Communist Party of Bangladesh) and Muzaffar Ahmed (NAP), Monoranjan Dhar, Tajuddin Ahmed and Khondokar Mushtaq Ahmed.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 10:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent a telegram to the UN Secretary General informing him that the human rights of the Bangalees (Bengalis) were being trampled. He asked for UN Secretary General’s help in stopping the flow of arms and ammunition from the west that were being used to kill the Bangalee civilians. Japanese, German and UN workers were withdrawn to their respective countries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 11:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0311_71_keep_economy_full.htm">Keep economy in full gear in the name of Bangladesh: Tajuddin</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.icdc.com/~paulwolf/pakistan/blood11mar1971.htm">Chances of a political situation</a> – from a telegram of US consulate:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is difficult to be completely objective in Dhaka in March when, out of discretion rather than valor, our cars and residences sport balck flags and we echo smiling greetings of ‘Joy Bangla’ as we move about the streets. Daily we lend our ears to the outpouring of the Bengali dream, a touching admixture of bravado, wishful thinking, idealism, animal cunning, anger and patriotic fervor. We hear on Radio Dacca and see on Dacca TV the impressive blossoming of Bengali nationalism and we watch the pitiful attempts of students and workers to play at soldiering.</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 12:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Air Marshall Asgar Khan at Lahore said that if Bangladesh gains independence then, West Pakistan wont survive 5 years.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0312_71_political_solution.htm">Memorandum from U.S. Embassy in Islamabad to Secretary of State on possible outcomes of the crisis.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 10-13:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Pakistan International Airlines canceling most of it’s international services, concentrated all available aircraft of ferrying “Government Passengers” to Dhaka. But those were the troops in civilian dress.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Yahia gives <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0313_memo_kissinger_nixon.htm">explicit warning</a> that force would be used against any move for separation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Asked by a foreign journalist if he planned to go for a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI), Mujib sounded ambiguous: “Independence? No, not yet.” At around the same time, when another foreign newsman questioned Mujib’s challenging of the authority of the Pakistan government in the province, the Awami League chief snapped: “What do mean by government? I am the government.”</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 14:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>People did not go to work in defiance of <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0313_71_civilian_staff.htm">martial orders</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mian Mumtaz Muhammad Khan Daultana, Chief of the Council Muslim League said that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s demands were quite reasonable and should be accepted to end the present political crisis in Pakistan. (<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0313_71_mujib_demands.htm">The Dawn, Karachi March 14, 1971</a>)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Syed Siddiqul Hasan Gilani, Chief of the Parliamentary Affairs of the JamaatiIslami, said that the responsibility for the present crisis lay with Mr. Z. A. Bhutto, the People’s Party Chief, who had aggravated the situation by threatening to boycott the National Assembly session on March 3. (<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0313_71_jamaat_leader_blames.htm">The Dawn, Karachi March 14, 1971</a>)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0314_71_report_meeting.htm">Maulana Mufti Mahmud, leader of the Jamiatul Ulema-i-Islam Parliamentary Party</a> said:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“In spite of the disastrous gravity of the situation in East Pakistan, of the tremendous heat and pressure generated there and the scope thus given to disruptive forces, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has shown his stature and his firm commitment to the solidarity of Pakistan, by putting in the present crisis four demands that are not in the least parochial or regional, but exclusively based on a national approach.”</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mr. Zulfikar All Bhutto, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0315_71_speech_bhutto.htm">addressing a public meeting in Nishtar Park</a> said there were two Wings of the country. The People’s Party was in majority in this Wing and the Awami League in East Pakistan. If power was to be transferred to the majority parties of the two Wings, it should be given to the Awami League in East Pakistan and to People’s Party in West Wing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 15:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib claims he has taken over administration of East Pakistan except for the cities of Dhaka, comilla and Jessore – <a href="http://www.icdc.com/~paulwolf/pakistan/mujib15mar1971.htm">Central Intelligence Bulletin</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Announcement of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – issued 35 directives (laws) to carry on with civilian rule.(<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0315_71_non_cooperation_movement.htm">THE DAWN, Karachi-March 16, 1971</a>):</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- Non-co-operation movement to go on.<br />
- Peoples determination commended.<br />
- Fresh action programme as struggle enters 3rd week.</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>President Yahiya Khan <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0315_sisco.htm">arrived</a> along with several other generals at Dhaka at 2:20 pm to meet Mujib for “negotiations”.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 16:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib arrived at the President House hoisting a black flag to protest the horrendous massacre for the so called negotiations.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>“<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0316_71_rule_majority.htm">Pakistan’s Peoples Party cannot be ignored in country’s governence</a>” says Bhutto in a press conference.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Minority parties leaders in West Pakistan <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0316_71_minority_parties.htm">criticise Bhutto’s speech</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Air Marshal Asghar Khan says "<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0316_71_statement_asghar_khan.htm">Bhutto’s stand is self contradictory</a>":</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the one hand, Mr. Bhutto has opposed the “grouping” of provinces in West Wing and on the other is suggesting transfer of power to the “majority party in West Pakistan”. “Politically there is no West Pakistan. There are four provinces in this Wing of the country. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is at present “holding the Country together.” Because, if East Pakistan goes, West Pakistan will also disintegrate.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>West Pakistan political leaders slate Bhutto-Press report on March 16, 1971 (<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0316_71_wali_urges.htm">THE DAWN, Karachi-March 16, 1971</a>)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Professor Ghulam Azam, Amir of the Jama’at-i-Islami said that it had been crystal clear from the statement of Mr. Bhutto that he did not want to see Pakistan United. The Jama’at leader alleged that Mr. Bhutto had engaged himself in "a conspiracy" immediately after the last general elections to divide the nation to fulfil his desire. He made an appeal to the President “not to help Mr. Bhutto in any way to break Pakistan”.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Prof. Azam said that immediate lifting of Martial Law and transfer of power to the elected representatives of the people could only save the nation from crisis.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 18:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Second day of “negotiations”. Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0319_71_mujib_declines.htm">declines to accept probe body</a> set up by the Martial Law Administrator Zone B “to go into the circumstances which led to the calling of the Army in aid of civil power in various parts of East Pakistan between March 2 and March 9″.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Meanwhile, Sheikh Mujib has sent Capt. Mansur Ali, leader of Parliamentary party in the East Pakistan Assembly. Khandaker Mushtaque Ahmed, Vice-President, East Pakistan Awami League and Mr. Abidur Reza Khan, MNA-elect to Chittagong to make an on the spot enquiry into the recent firings and other incidents there.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 19:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Clash near Dacca – <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0320_71_clash_near_dacca.htm">Curfew clamped in Joydevpur</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>After <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0320_71_dacca_talks.htm">90 minutes of heated discussion</a> with Yahiya, Mujib heard that the military had fired upon people at Tongi, Joydebpur and other places. Hearing this he found no reason to continue talks.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib condemned the killings <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0320_71_mujib_condemns_firing.htm">and said</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No sacrifice would be considered enough to emancipate the people of “Bangla Desh”. Bangla Desh can not be suppressed by force. If necessary we shall give the last drop of our blood to see that our posterity lived happily as a free citizen in a free country.</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 20:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib and Yahiya talked for 2 hours, this time with their advisers.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 21:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib and Yahiya talked again as thousands agitated in the streets of Bangladesh. Pakistan People’s Party chief Z. A. Bhutto came to Dhaka for “talks” with Mujib. With Bangabandhu finally consenting to Bhutto’s joining the talks, Yahya Khan had him come over to Dhaka. Angry crowds of Bengalis dogged Bhutto and his team all the way to the Sheraton.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 22:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The concept of a united Pakistan had dwindled, owing to the stiff position adopted by the Awami League, to the issue of a confederal arrangement for the two wings of the country. After talks, Yahiya again postponed the session of the National Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0322_71_daultana_wali_mufti_resent_postponement.htm">Daultana, Wali, Mufti resent postponement of the National Assembly</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>“<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0322_71_political_crisis_will_be_resolved.htm">Political crisis will be resolved</a>” – says President Yahya Khan in a message.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>In the message given on the occasion of bringing out of special supplements captioned, “Emancipation of Bangla Desh” by most dailies, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman described the present movement as the struggle for total emancipation of seven crore Bengalees. This struggle will continue until the final goal is achieved, he said and added, the people of Bangla Desh could no more be silenced by bullets, guns and bayonets because they are united today (<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0323_71_victory_is_ours.htm">THE DAWN, Karachi-March 23, 1971</a>).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Bhutto said in a <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0322_71_agreement_subject.htm">press conference</a> he had a “satisfactory meeting” with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and hoped to meet him again. Bhutto said they were examining the broad agreement reached between the President and Awami League Chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and assured that his party would make every effort to reach an understanding to end the present crisis.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 23:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib declared 23rd March as a holiday. At his residence in Dhanmondi, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman raised the Bangladesh flag, to the cheers of the crowd gathered on the road outside his gate. It was the Bangladesh flag that was displayed on his car as it wound its way through the streets and into the President’s House for a fresh round of negotiations with President Yahya Khan. The Awami League submitted a draft of what was considered its final proposals regarding a transfer of power to the Yahya Khan team on the day. General Peerzada promised to get back to the AL the next day.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 24:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The advisers of Yahiya and Mujib met. Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0324_71_mujib_warns.htm">warns against bid to impose decision</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Whatever conspiracy you indulge in you will not succeed in suppressing the demands of the people. We would not bow our heads to any force. We will free the people of Bangla Desh”.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed, General Secretary of East Pakistan Awami League, <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0324_71_tajuddin_call.htm">urged the people to be vigilant</a> and to be ready to make any sacrifice to defeat the conspiracies of anti-people forces.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Rumors abounded that Yahiya would hand over power on the 25th. Bhutto and his heavy body guard stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel (Sheraton Hotel).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Major Ziaur Rahman and M. R. Choudhury asked Major Rafiq to abandon his (Rafiq’s) plans of pre-emptive attack on the Pakistanis to disarm them before they got a chance to attack. Zia and Choudhury said that the Pakistanis would not do anything and Rafiq’s ill-conceived plans would result in all of their deaths.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>March 25:</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Daytime - newspaper headlines read that 150 people were killed in various parts of the country by the armed forces. Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_regretsdelay.htm">regrets delays</a> and fears that the talks were decoys. Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_71_mujib_regrets_delay.htm">condemns attempts to divide Bengalees and Mohajir</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Sheikh Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325mujibcallsstrike.htm">gave a call for a general strike throughout ‘Bangla Desh’</a> on March 27th as a mark of protest against heavy firing upon the civilian population in Saidpur, Rangpur and Joydevpur.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mujib <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_71_mujib_orders_resumption.htm">orders resumption of jute trade telecom links</a> to function via Manilla.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>“Only way out is to accept Awami League demands”, <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_71_only_way_out.htm">statement by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The staff and employees of the Hotel Intercontinental ceremoniously hoisted a regular sized ‘Joy Bangla flag’ replacing the smaller one at the main mast. The new flag measuring 100 x 60 inches was unfurled in the presence of a large number of people including foreign journalists.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Rumors flew around of imminent military action against the Awami League, indeed against the population.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Mr. Z. A. Bhutto’s <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_71_p-p-p_a-l_direct_talks.htm">Press conference in Dacca on March 25, 1971</a>: Mr. Bhutto said that the quantum of autonomy sought by the Awami League was some thing which could be termed as "more than autonomy". It was bordering on sovereignty.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Yahiya and his generals secretly fled Dhaka by 6 pm. Three battalions took up position in Dhaka as per previous plans.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Around 11 PM the army pounced on sleeping citizens of Dhaka to execute <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Searchlight">operation searchlight</a>. The goal was to “crush” Bengali resistance in which Bengali members of military services were disarmed and killed, students and the intelligentsia systematically liquidated and able-bodied Bengali males just picked up and gunned down. By midnight, Dhaka was literally burning, especially the Hindu dominated eastern part of the city. Although the violence focused on the provincial capital, Dhaka, the process of ethnic elimination was also carried out all around Bangladesh. Hindu areas all over Bangladesh suffered particularly heavy blows.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Death squads roamed the streets of Dacca, killing some 7,000 people in a single night. It was only the beginning. Within a week, half the population of Dacca had fled, and at least 30,000 people had been killed. Chittagong, too, had lost half its population.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Thus began the worst genocide of history… a genocide that many would like to forget and many would like that the new generation not hear about. The international media and reference books in English have published casualty figures which vary greatly, from 5,000–35,000 in Dhaka, and 200,000–3,000,000 for Bangladesh as a whole.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The main phase of Operation Searchlight ended with the fall of the last major town in Bengali hands in mid May.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>These systematic killings served only to enrage the Bengalis, which ultimately resulted in the secession of East Pakistan later in the same year.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested by the Pakistani Army late at night. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto watched from the window of his suite at the Sheraton and saw the offices of The People newspaper blazing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>More on <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/mar_71_operation_searchlight.htm">operation searchlight</a> -from the “Witness to Surrender” by Siddiq Salik.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0325_71_hamoodur_comision.htm">Hamoodur Rahman Commission’s report</a> on the state of preparedness of the armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 26:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The violence unleashed by the Pakistani forces on March 25, 1971, proved the last straw to the efforts to negotiate a settlement. Following these outrages, a declaration from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was distributed widely:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country. On Thursday night, West Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the police barracks at Razarbagh and the EPR headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka. Many innocent and unarmed have been killed in Dhaka city and other places of Bangladesh. Violent clashes between E.P.R. and Police on the one hand and the armed forces of Pakistan on the other, are going on. The Bengalis are fighting the enemy with great courage for an independent Bangladesh. May Allah aid us in our fight for freedom. Joy Bangla. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_War_of_Bangladesh#cite_note-35">source</a>)</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>A telegram containing the text of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s declaration reached some students in Chittagong in 26th of March early hours.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Soon after the Pakistan army took over Dacca Betar Kendro in the early hours of March 26, 1971. The Pakistanis renamed the radio station as “Radio Pakistan Dacca” and used it to announce martial law orders. On the evening of that same day a small radio station started broadcasting defiantly in the face of the Pakistan military’s bloody onslaught on the Bengalis. The clandestine radio station, located in Kalurghat north of the city of Chittagong called itself Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro -SBBK (Free Bengal Radio Station).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The first persons to broadcast that “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh.” in the evening on March 26, 1971 from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro in English were Ashikul Islam, a WAPDA engineer, and in Bengali, Abul Kashem Sandwipi. Later in the evening M. A. Hannan also broadcast the declaration from the telegram in a speech. (<a href="http://www.docstrangelove.com/uploads/1971/bo/19720423_bo_swadhin_bangla_betar_kendra.pdf">Bangladesh Observer</a>, April 23, 1972)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>March 26, 1971 is considered the official Independence Day of Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>As evening descended on March 26, Bhutto arrived back in Karachi, to tell waiting newsmen: “Thank God, Pakistan has been saved.” In the evening, <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0326_71_yahya_broadcast.htm">General Yahya Khan addressed Pakistanis</a> to announce an outlawing of the Awami League and a determination to punish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his “act of treason” in challenging the authority of the government of Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0326_memo_kissinger_nixon.htm">Memorandum</a> from Kissinger to Nixon:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The West Pakistani army has moved to repress the East Pakistan secession movement. Our embassy believes that the military probably has sufficient strength to assert immediate control over Dacca and other major cities, but is not capable of maintaining control over an extended period.”</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Minutes of the <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0326_specialactionsgroup.htm">Washington special actions group meeting</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“After reviewing the situation in East Pakistan, the WSAG agreed that the U.S. should continue its policy of non-involvement in the dispute between West and East Pakistan. In particular, the U.S. should avoid being placed in a position where it could be accused of having encouraged the break-up of Pakistan. The WSAG agreed that the U.S. should delay action on any request that might be forthcoming for recognition of an independent East Pakistani regime.”</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<b>March 27:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The Kalurghat Bridge area was controlled by an East Bengal Regiment under Major Ziaur Rahman who revolted against the Pakistani army. Bengali soldiers were requested to gueard the station. On request of Belal Mohammed of the SBBK, at 19:45 hrs on 27 March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman broadcasted the announcement of the declaration of independence which is as follows.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. I, Major Ziaur Rahman, at the direction of Bangobondhu sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare that the independent People’s Republic of Bangladesh has been established. At his direction, I have taken command as the temporary Head of the Republic. In the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, I call upon all Bengalis to rise against the attack by the West Pakistani Army. We shall fight to the last to free our Motherland. By the grace of Allah, victory is ours. Joy Bangla.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a moral boosting impact to the nation considering the fact that an army major is on the side of Sheikh Mujib. He was <a href="http://www.docstrangelove.com/2008/01/09/swadhin-bangla-betar-kendro-and-bangladeshs-declaration-of-independence/#foreign_news">quoted</a> in international media as the provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Source:</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><ul>
<li><a href="http://www.library.shuchinta.com/germanRadio.mp3">Audio of Zia’s announcement</a> (An interview with Belal Mohammed)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<li><a href="http://www.docstrangelove.com/2008/01/09/swadhin-bangla-betar-kendro-and-bangladeshs-declaration-of-independence/">Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro And Bangladesh’s Declaration Of Independence</a> – Mashuqur Rahman & MMR Jalal (also published in Prothom Alo and the Daily Star)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaheed_Minar">Shaheed Minar </a>(Monument to commemorate the martyrs of the Language Movement) was blown up by the army with demolition charges.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_telegram">Archer Blood</a>, the American Consular General sent <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0328_selectivegenocide.pdf">a telegram</a> to different American consulate offices and embassies around the world expressing extreme horror at the systematic killing.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Here in Decca we are mute and horrified witnesses to a reign of terror by the Pak[istani] Military. Evidence continues to mount that the MLA authorities have list of AWAMI League supporters whom they are systematically eliminating by seeking them out in their homes and shooting them down.<br />
<br />
2. Moreover, with the support of the Pak[istani] Military. non-Bengali Muslims are systematically attacking poor people’s quarters and murdering Bengalis and Hindus.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0327_telegram.htm">A telegram from the Embassy in India</a> to the Department of State on the subject of Government of India’s reaction to East Pakistan Developments.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>During the debate in Lok Sabha Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India made an intervention and <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0327pminterventionloksobha.htm">talked</a><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0327pminterventionloksobha.htm"> about the political situation in East Pakistan</a>. She also discussed about it in <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0327pminterventionrajsabha.htm">Rajya Sabha</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We are interested in this matter for many reasons, firstly as one Member has said, that Shri Mujibur Rahman has stood for the values which we ourselves cherish the values of democracy, the values of secularism and the values of socialism. We are also concerned with the truly wonderful and unique way in which the people there had stood behind him and behind these values. We are no less full of sorrow and grave concern and even agony at what is happening there but I can only appeal to the Hon. Members that this is not a moment when the Government can say anything more and whatever the Government may or may not be able to do it would not be wise if this becomes a matter for public debate.”</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>March 28:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0328_71_samuelhoskinson.htm">Memorandum</a> From Samuel Hoskinson of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Sidney H. Schanberg was one of 35 foreign newsmen expelled Saturday morning from East Pakistan. He cabled his dispatch from Bombay, India titled “<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0328_71_artillery.htm">IN DACCA, TROOPS USE ARTILLERY TO HALT REVOLT</a>”</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>March 29:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>New York Times said 5,000-7,000 people were killed in Dhaka. The Sydney Morning Herald said, 10,000 – 100,000 were killed.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Rain exposed two mass graves, one at Zahrul Huq Hall and the other at Rokeya Hall.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0329_indian_reaction.htm">US department of State secret memo predicts</a> Indian future response to situation:</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<li>a. Tolerate privately provided cross-border assistance to the East Bengalis ; This assistance could range from propaganda support to weapons and explosives.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<li>b. Permit East Bengal dissidents to use India as a refuge and to conduct crossborder activities from within India.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;"><ul>
<li>c. Covertly provide supplies, including weapons, and perhaps some training, to East Bengal dissidents.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0329_71_telconv1.htm">Telephone conversation between President Nixon and Kissinger</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Archer Blood sends <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0329_crackdown.pdf">another telegram</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
American priests in old Dacca reports that army acted with no provocations on part of Bengalis except barricade erection. Army exclusively responsible for all fires. Technique was to set houses afire and then gun down people as they left their homes. Stated army looking for Awami Leaguers but more indiscriminate rather than selective in approach. Most army destructions on 25th and 26th night, lesser on March 27th and March 28th.  </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have received reliable reports of troops engaged in looting homes. Military reportedly is standing by while non-Bengalis looting Bengali dwellings. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Police were simply executed in Mohammadpur and elsewhere as Army considered them as potential threat. 800 Police killed in surprise attacks. The East Pakistan Rifles camp in Peelkhana had 1000 EPRs present. 700 Killed, 200 overpowered and 100 escaped.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
House to house searches underway with ex Bengali servicemen being special target and shot at site whenever found. “No police seen anywhere in Dhaka”.</div>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>“<a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0329_71_chronicle.htm">26 hour chronicle of Dacca drama</a>” -A diary through the eyes of Robert Kaylor of UPI of what happened in Dacca when the Pakistani Army took control.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><b>March 30:</b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Telegram from <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0330_71_telegram_amconsul.pdf">Archer Blood</a>:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The university professors believed they were subject to a pre-planned purge and the burning of university documents suggested that the army wanted to eliminate all traces of the current “trouble making” elements at the university. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Six naked female bodies were found with bits of rope dangling from the ceiling fans at Rokeya Hall. Apparently the girls were raped, shot and hung from the heels. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The army burned Hindu and Bengali (Bangalee) areas in the Old Dhaka and shot ocupants as they came out. Hindus undeniably were specual focus of military brutality. Large fires burned on 30 and 31 March mostly in Hindu predominant areas. There were steady gunfire (1 shot every 10 seconds) in those areas. Large number of prisoners were taken into the EPR (East Pakistan Rifles) base.</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>First signs of ressistance: A British report said that army unit faced ressistance was in a desparate situation near Pabna.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0330_71_nixon_kissinger.htm">Telephone conversation between Nixon and Kissinger.</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>March 31:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0331_71_telegram_amconsul_dacca.pdf">Another Telegram</a> from American consulate in Dhaka on the number of atrocities prdicts 4000-6000 death.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0331_71_telegram2_amconsul_dacca.pdf">More on Army terror campaign</a> and evidence that military faced some difficulties elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Letter from <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0331_1971_letter_hilaly.htm">Yahya Khan to Kissinger</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Minutes of meetings at <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0331_1971_minutes.htm">US Deaprtment of state</a>:</li>
<li><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dr. Kissinger: Does the government have Mujibur Rahman?<br />
<br />
Mr. Blee: They captured him. Presumably he is in West Pakistan, perhaps in Quetta.<br />
<br />
Dr. Kissinger: Will they execute him?<br />
<br />
Lt. Gen. Cushman: Yahya accused him of treason. Possibly he has been shot already or was shot inadvertently.<br />
<br />
Dr. Kissinger: Are we going to keep VOA quiet about reports coming from our Consul?</blockquote>
</li>
<li>From an editorial in <a href="http://www.profile-of-bengal.com/p-b/www.profile-bengal.com/0331_71_in_the_name_of_pakistan.htm">New York Times</a>:</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
The United States, having played a major role in training and equipping Pakistanis armed forces, has a special obligation now to withhold any military aid to the Yahya Government. Economic assistance should be continued only on condition that u major portion be used to help bind up East Pakistan’s grievous wounds.</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
Source: Bangladesh Genocide Archive<br />
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Source: Bangladesh Genocide Archive</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

March 1971

March 01: People tuned their radios and turned their TVs on because President Agha Yahiya Khan was supposed to address the nation. However, someone else read out a statement that President Yahya Khan…

Bengali independence declared by Mujib

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Buenos Aires Herald, Argentina, March 27, 1971 New Delhi Sheikh Mujib ur-Rahman last night proclaimed East Pakistan the sovere...

Bengali independence declared by Mujib

Buenos Aires Herald, Argentina, March 27, 1971 New Delhi Sheikh Mujib ur-Rahman last night proclaimed East Pakistan the sovereign independent People’s Republic of Bangla Desh, according to a clande…

East Pakistan secedes, civil war breaks out

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The Boston Globe, USA, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, India A clandestine radio monitored in India said Sheikh Mujib, who first dec...

East Pakistan secedes, civil war breaks out

The Boston Globe, USA, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, India A clandestine radio monitored in India said Sheikh Mujib, who first declared the independence of East Pakistan yesterday as the new People’s R…

Dacca breaks with Pakistan

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The Age, Australia, March 27, 1971 Dacca, March 26 East Pakistan today declared itself independent of the central Government in ...

Dacca breaks with Pakistan

The Age, Australia, March 27, 1971 Dacca, March 26 East Pakistan today declared itself independent of the central Government in Karachi. The declaration followed a broadcast by President Yahya Khan o…

Gallant fight for freedom, Mujib tells the world

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The Times of India (Bombay), India, March 27, 1971 Calcutta, March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in a message to the world tod...

Gallant fight for freedom, Mujib tells the world

The Times of India (Bombay), India, March 27, 1971 Calcutta, March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in a message to the world today that the people of Bangla Desh were fighting gallantly for their fre…

Mujib proclaims free Bangla Desh

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The Times of India (Bombay), India, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, March 26 A "sovereign, independent People’s Republic of Ban...

Mujib proclaims free Bangla Desh

The Times of India (Bombay), India, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, March 26 A "sovereign, independent People’s Republic of Bangla Desh" was proclaimed by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman today even as President Ya…

Proclamation by Rahman

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The Statesman (Calcutta), India, March 27, 1971 Agartala, March 26 Broadcasing tonight from a clandestine radio station identi...

Proclamation by Rahman

The Statesman (Calcutta), India, March 27, 1971 Agartala, March 26 Broadcasing tonight from a clandestine radio station identified as the Voice of Independent Bangla Desh the announcer said Sheikh …

Bangla Desh declares independence – Street fighting in Dacca and Chittagong

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The Statesman (Calcutta), India, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tonight proclaimed East Pakistan a ...

Bangla Desh declares independence – Street fighting in Dacca and Chittagong

The Statesman (Calcutta), India, March 27, 1971 New Delhi, March 26 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tonight proclaimed East Pakistan a "Soverign Independent People’s Republic of Bangla Desh". The declaration…

Two steps to freedom

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The Statesman (New Delhi), India, March 27, 1971 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made two broadcasts on Friday following the Pakistan troo...

Two steps to freedom

The Statesman (New Delhi), India, March 27, 1971 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made two broadcasts on Friday following the Pakistan troops move to crush his movement, says UNI. In a message to the world br…

Bangla Desh declares freedom – Rahman’s step follows army crackdown

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The Statesman (New Delhi), India, March 27, 1971 Pakistan’s eastern wing, rechristened the independent state of Bangla Desh by She...

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<b>The Statesman (New Delhi), India, March 27, 1971</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pakistan’s eastern wing, rechristened the independent state of Bangla Desh by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a clandestine radio broadcast, was in the throes of a civil war on Friday with west wing troops resorting to force to regain control and the people, aided by the East Pakistan Rifles and the police resisting the attempt, reports UNI.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
…</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking over "Swadhin Bangla" (Free Bengal) Betar Kendra, Mr. Rahman later proclaimed the birth of an independent Bangla Desh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The declaration was made shortly before General Yahya Khan went on the air in the West wing to announce that the army had been instructed to reassert the Government’s authority in the East wing. He called Mr. Rahman and his followers traitors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Rahman in his broadcast declared defiantly: "We shall not die like cats and dogs, but shall die as worthy children of Bangla Ma (Mother Bengal)", adding, "The flag of Bangla Desh is flying in all villages of Bangla Desh."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
…</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An announcer on the clandestine radio station, evidently located in the northern region of East Bengal, said: "The Sheikh has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The broadcast called upon the people of free Bangla Desh to continue the current movement till the last enemy soldier was vanquished.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It said Mr. Rahman was the only leader of the people of independent Bangla Desh and his commands should be obeyed by all sections of people to save the country from the ruthless dictatorship of West Pakistanis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Rahman in his broadcast asked the people to "resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy", he said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Rahman said: "Pakistan armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifle base at Pielkhana and Rajabag police station in Dacca at zero hours on March 26, killing a number of unarmed people. Fierce fighting is going on with East Pakistan Rifles at Dacca.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"People are fighting gallantly with the enemy for the cause of freedom of Bangla Desh. Every section of the people of Bangla Desh are asked to resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh. May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy. Jai Bangla."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Courtesy: <a href="http://www.docstrangelove.com/2008/01/09/swadhin-bangla-betar-kendro-and-bangladeshs-declaration-of-independence/#foreign_news" target="_blank">http://www.docstrangelove.com</a></div>
</div>

Bangla Desh declares freedom – Rahman’s step follows army crackdown

The Statesman (New Delhi), India, March 27, 1971 Pakistan’s eastern wing, rechristened the independent state of Bangla Desh by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in a clandestine radio broadcast, was in the throe…

Roar, O Freedom - Shamsur Rahman

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What shall I do with the spring when I hear only the cuckoo moaning and cannot see gorgeous flowers blossom? What shall I do with th...

Roar, O Freedom - Shamsur Rahman

What shall I do with the springwhen I hear only the cuckoo moaningand cannot see gorgeous flowers blossom?What shall I do with the gardenWhere no birds ever pays a visit?Oh, how rough and stony is …

My golden Bengal (Amar Shonar Bangla)

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Amar Sonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal) is the national anthem of Bangladesh. It is part of a Bengali song with the same title, written...

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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Amar Sonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal) is the national anthem of Bangladesh. It is part of a Bengali song with the same title, written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.<br /><br />The word sonar literally means 'made of gold', but in the song sonar Bangla may be interpreted to either express the preciousness of Bengal or refer to the colour of paddy fields before harvest.<br /><br />The song was written in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal, when the ruling British Empire had an undivided India's province of Bengal split into two parts; the decision was announced on 19 July by the then-Viceroy of India Lord Curzon, taking effect on 16 October. This divide of Bengal, being along communal lines–East Bengal having a majority of Muslims and West Bengal having a majority of Hindus–is claimed to have undermined India's national movement against British imperialism and to have been politically motivated. Along with a host of others, songs such as this were meant to rekindle the unified spirit of Bengal, to raise public consciousness against the communal political divide. <br /><br />The lyrics first appeared in the September issues of "Bongodorshon" and "Baul" simultaneously, in 1905. The song along with the musical notation (referred to as swaralipi in Bengali), first appeared in the periodical musical journal Shongeet Biggnan Probeshika in the same month and year. Indira Devi, Tagore's niece, Satyendranath Tagore's daughter, jotted down the musical notation hearing it from Tagore himself (this was the common norm, Tagore singing the song, and someone formally jotting down the musical notations). It is said that the music of this song was inspired by the Baul singer Gagan Harkara's song "Ami Kothay Pabo Tare".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />The first ten (10) lines of this song constitute Bangladesh's national anthem, adopted in 1971 during its liberation war. Only those lines are given in the following section. The instrumental orchestra rendition was composed by Samar Das. The English translation below was done by Syed Ali Ahsan. Another Brahmo hymn composed and scored by Tagore (Jana Gana Mana) was selected as the national anthem of India.<br /><br />The Ministry of Cultural Affairs planned to stage an event on Bangladesh's 44th independence day, in a bid to have the world record of the most people singing a national anthem simultaneously. Consequently, on 2 March, the ministry launched a program titled "Lakho Konthe Sonar Bangla" whose main objective was to hold an event with the cooperation of Bangladesh Armed Forces where approximately 300,000 people would sing the national anthem. Several popular Bangladeshi musicians and cultural groups later joined the program.<br /><br />The record was broken at 11:20 on 26 March 2014 by 254,537 participants at Dhaka's National Parade Ground. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Speaker of Jatiyo Shangshad, and all the members of the cabinet. After receiving the required evidence, the Guinness Book of World Records approved the record on 9 April.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
My golden Bangla,<br /> I love you.<br /><br /> Forever your skies,<br /> Your air set my heart in tune<br /> As if it were a flute.<br /><br /> In spring, O mother<br /> The fragrance from your mango groves<br /> Makes me wild with joy,<br /> Ah, what a thrill!<br /><br /> In autumn, O mother<br /> In the full blossomed paddy fields<br /> I have seen spread all over sweet smiles.<br /><br /> What beauty, what shades,<br /> What affection, what tenderness!<br /> What a quilt have you spread<br /> At the feet of banyan trees<br /> And along the bank of every river<br /><br /> Oh mother mine, words from your lips<br /> Are like nectar to my ears.<br /> Ah, what a thrill!<br /><br /> If sadness, O mother<br /> Casts a gloom on your face,<br /> My eyes are filled with tears!<br /><br /> My golden Bengal,<br /> I love you. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Watch Here:</div>
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My golden Bengal (Amar Shonar Bangla)

Amar Sonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal) is the national anthem of Bangladesh. It is part of a Bengali song with the same title, written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905.The word sonar literally means 'm…

Declaration of Independence

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At 10 pm on 25 March, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched Operation Searchlight in the capital of East Pakistan. Tanks rolled out on th...

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At 10 pm on 25 March, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched Operation Searchlight in the capital of East Pakistan. Tanks rolled out on the streets of Dhaka. The Pakistan Army massacred students and intellectuals in Dhaka University, as well as many civilians in other parts of the city. It set Hindu neighborhoods ablaze and crushed resistance from the police and the East Pakistan Rifles. At midnight, Mujib sent a wireless telegram to Chittagong instructing Awami League leaders to declare independence. The text of his telegram read:-<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Message to the people of Bangladesh and the world. The Pakistan Armed Forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifles base at Pilkhana and Rajarbagh police station in Dacca at 0000 hours on March 26, killing a number of unarmed people. Fierce fighting is going on with East Pakistan Rifles at Dacca. People are fighting gallantly with the enemy for the cause of freedom of Bangla Desh. Every section of the people of Bangla Desh are asked to resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh. May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy. Joy Bangla </blockquote>
News of Mujib's declaration was picked up by American intelligence agencies and reported to the White House situation room. The Pakistani military proceeded to arrest Mujib from his residence around 1 am.<br />
<br />
At 2.30 pm on 26 March 1971, Awami League leader M A Hannan began broadcasting Mujib's declaration of independence over the Independent Bangladesh Radio Station in Chittagong, which was widely reported in the international press. The text of the declaration read:-<br />
<blockquote>
Today Bangladesh is a sovereign and independent country. On Thursday night West Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the police barracks at Razarbagh and the EPR headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka. Many innocent and unarmed have been killed in Dhaka city and other places of Bangladesh. Violent clashes between EPR and Police on the one hand and the armed forces of Pindi on the other, are going on. The Bengalis are fighting the enemy with great courage for an independent Bangladesh. May God aid us in our fight for freedom. Joy Bangla. </blockquote>
On 27 March, Major Ziaur Rahman, the commander of the East Bengal Regiment in Chittagong, broadcast two declarations on behalf of Sheikh Mujib. In the first one, he declared himself as temporary Head of the Republic. A K Khan intervened and drafted a second declaration for Zia, which was read again over Independent Bangladesh Radio. It read the following:-<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Government of the Sovereign State of Bangladesh, on behalf of our great national leader, the supreme commander of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, do hereby proclaim the independence of Bangladesh. It is further proclaimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the sole leader of the elected representatives of the 75 million people of Bangladesh. I therefore appeal on behalf of our great leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the governments of the all the democratic countries of the world, especially the big world powers, and the neighboring countries, to take effective steps to stop immediately the awful genocide that has been carried out by the army of occupation from Pakistan. To dub us, the legally elected representatives of the majority of the people as repressionist is a cruel joke and contradiction in terms which should befool none. The guiding principle of the new state will be first, neutrality, second, peace, and third, friendship to all and enmity to none. May Allah help us. Joy Bangla. </blockquote>
Zia's broadcasts were picked by a Japanese ship anchored in Chittagong Port and transmitted to Radio Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On 17 April 1971, the Provisional Government of Bangladesh was formed in Mujibnagar. It converted the elected Bengali members of the national and provincial assemblies of Pakistan into the Constituent Assembly of Bangladesh. The constituent assembly issued a second proclamation of independence, which also served as the fundamental law of Bangladesh until the adoption of the constitution in 1972. The text is given in the following:-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE<br />
<dl><dd>Mujibnagar, Bangladesh</dd><dd>Dated 10th day of April, 1971.</dd></dl>
Whereas free elections were held in Bangladesh from 7th December, 1970 
to 17th January, 1971, to elect representatives for the purpose of 
framing a Constitution,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas at these elections the people of Bangladesh elected 167 out of 169 representatives belonging to the Awami League,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas General Yahya Khan summoned the elected representatives of 
the people to meet on the 3rd March, 1971, for the purpose of framing a 
Constitution,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas the Assembly so summoned was arbitrarily and illegally postponed for indefinite period,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas instead of fulfilling their promise and while still 
conferring with the representatives of the people of Bangladesh, 
Pakistan authorities declared an unjust and treacherous war,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas in the facts and circumstances of such treacherous conduct 
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the undisputed leader of the 75 
million people of Bangladesh, in due fulfillment of the legitimate right
 of self-determination of the people of Bangladesh, duly made a 
declaration of independence at Dacca on March 26, 1971, and urged the 
people of Bangladesh to defend the honour and integrity of Bangladesh,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas in the conduct of a ruthless and savage war the Pakistani 
authorities committed and are still continuously committing numerous 
acts of genocide and unprecedented tortures, amongst others on the 
civilian and unarmed people of Bangladesh,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas the Pakistan Government by levying an unjust war and 
committing genocide and by other repressive measures made it impossible 
for the elected representatives of the people of Bangladesh to meet and 
frame a Constitution, and give to themselves a Government,<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
Whereas the people of Bangladesh by their heroism, bravery and 
revolutionary fervour have established effective control over the 
territories of Bangladesh,<br />
<br />
We the elected representatives of the people of Bangladesh, as honour 
bound by the mandate given to us by the people of Bangladesh whose will 
is supreme duly constituted ourselves into a Constituent Assembly, and<br />
<br />
having held mutual consultations, and<br />
<br />
in order to ensure for the people of Bangladesh equality, human dignity and social justice,<br />
<br />
declare and constitute Bangladesh to be sovereign Peoples' Republic and 
thereby confirm the declaration of independence already made by 
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and<br />
<br />
do hereby affirm and resolve that till such time as a Constitution is 
framed, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shall be the President of the 
Republic and that Syed Nazrul Islam shall be the Vice President of the 
Republic, and<br />
<br />
that the President shall be the Supreme Commander of all the Armed Forces of the Republic,<br />
<br />
shall exercise all the Executive and Legislative powers of the Republic including the power to grant pardon,<br />
<br />
shall have the power to appoint a Prime Minister and such other Ministers as he considers necessary,<br />
<br />
shall have the power to levy taxes and expend monies [sic],<br />
<br />
shall have the power to summon and adjourn the Constituent Assembly, and<br />
<br />
do all other things that may be necessary to give to the people of Bangladesh an orderly and just Government,<br />
<br />
We the elected representatives of the people of Bangladesh do further 
resolve that in the event of there being no President or the President 
being unable to enter upon his office or being unable to exercise his 
powers and duties, due to any reason whatsoever, the Vice-President 
shall have and exercise all the powers, duties and responsibilities 
herein conferred on the President,<br />
<br />
We further resolve that we undertake to observe and give effect to all 
duties and obligations that devolve upon us as a member of the family of
 nations and under the Charter of United Nations,<br />
<br />
We further resolve that this proclamation of independence shall be deemed to have come into effect from 26th day of March, 1971.<br />
<br />
We further resolve that in order to give effect to this instrument we 
appoint Prof. Yusuf Ali our duly Constituted Potentiary and to give to 
the President and the Vice-President oaths of office.<br />
<br />
PROF. YUSUF ALI<br />
Duly Constituted Potentiary<br />
By and under the authority<br />
of the Constituent Assembly of Bangladesh </blockquote>
</div>
</div>

Declaration of Independence

At 10 pm on 25 March, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched Operation Searchlight in the capital of East Pakistan. Tanks rolled out on the streets of Dhaka. The Pakistan Army massacred students and inte…

Independence, how this word became ours - Nirmalendhu Goone

Voice of 71

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Title: Independence, how this word became ours - Nirmalendhu Goone
Author: Voice of 71
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This is a historical Poem written by famous poet Nirmalendu Goone About the 7 march Speech given by Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahma...

Independence, how this word became ours - Nirmalendhu Goone

This is a historical Poem written by famous poet Nirmalendu Goone About the 7 march Speech given by Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Cause a poem will be written, with eager excitement Lakhs and …

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Voice of 71

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March 1971

Bengali independence declared by Mujib

East Pakistan secedes, civil war breaks out

Dacca breaks with Pakistan

Gallant fight for freedom, Mujib tells the world

Mujib proclaims free Bangla Desh

Proclamation by Rahman

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Two steps to freedom

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Roar, O Freedom - Shamsur Rahman

My golden Bengal (Amar Shonar Bangla)

Declaration of Independence

Independence, how this word became ours - Nirmalendhu Goone

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