Bangladesh
March 7 Speech Historic March 7 Speech: Background of Bangabandhu's Strategy Adoption
Dhaka, March 7: Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh after 12:00 on March 25, 1971 before being arrested by the Pakistani forces. For this reason, the independence of Bangladesh is celebrated on March 26.
Prior to this, on March 7, as per the demands of the people, he declared independence in a form of independence in a rally of 1 million people at the Ramana Race Course Maidan. But at the very last moment he has to resort to some strategy. Because already through a Bengali senior army officer in Dhaka Cantonment, he came to know that Bangabandhu is going to declare independence today, the Pak Army knows. Along with Bangabandhu's declaration of independence, they decided to bombard the venue from militant planes. As a result, no one present at the venue will survive.
The incident is known from the book 'Astarage Smriti Samujjal - Bangabandhu, Tar Paribar O Ami' written by Bangabandhu's long-time personal assistant and cousin Mominul Haque Khoka. Below are some parts of his writings about the events of March 1971 in that book:
On March 6, President Yahya addressed the nation. A few days before this speech, he called a political conference on March 10. Awami League immediately rejected this call. In a speech on March 6, President Yahya made dismissive comments about the East Pakistan-wide protests against his speech condemning the Awami League's rejection. At the same time, he convened a session of the National Assembly on March 25. But the water has gone far. Yahya Khan's speech of March 6 was insulting to the entire Bengali nation. The movement of the students became more intense. Many people died in clashes with the military personnel at various places. Gradually the nation moves towards the final destination.
The Governor of East Pakistan was Rear Admiral Ahsan. He was Jinnah Sahib's ADC at the birth of Pakistan. He was friendly towards Awami League leaders especially Bangabandhu. He did not support Bhutto's dictatorship or Yahya Khan's repression. The regional martial law administrator in East Pakistan was Lt. Gen. Sahibzada Yakub Ali Khan. A scholar of various languages, Yakub Ali Khan was a truly intellectual personality. He also did not support the repressive policies of Yahya Khan. As a result, on 3 March Yahya Khan removed both Admiral Ahsan and Lt Gen Yakub Ali Khan and appointed the infamous Lt Gen Tikka Khan, known as the "Butcher of Balochistan". At one point, this general did not hesitate to bomb the Baluchis to stop the anti-government movement in Balochistan. Tikka Khan was appointed governor, but Chief Justice BA Siddiqui refused to administer the oath to him.
President Yahya Khan's chief advisor was Principal Staff Officer Lt. Gen. SGM Peerzada. He had two assistants, one West Pakistani Brigadier Rahim and the other East Pakistani (Bengali) Brigadier Karim. Brigadier Karim made a name for himself as an efficient officer in the armed forces and was promoted to the rank of Major General during the Pakistan era. Br. in the stormy days of March. Karim was in Dhaka. The whole of East Pakistan was outraged by Yahya's speech on March 6. Everyone is looking at their leader. Almost everyone thinks he will formally declare independence on March 7. At that time, Brigadier Karim wanted to meet Mia Bhai. One-time president of Dhaka club Murtaza is his brother-in-law. Mr. Murtaza came and approached me, I have to arrange a meeting with Brig. Karim. Mia bhai was very busy at that time, he did not have time to meet anyone outside the Awami League. He refused in one word. But Brig. Karim and Murtaza Saheb stood there. Brig. Karim told me he had to see him. He must say something about Bangabandhu's speech and the preparations of the Pak Army. Mia bhai then agreed. But the interview must be for a short time, and it must be at another residence.
Brigadier Karim's brother-in-law Azimur Rahman, a prominent businessman, lived in a house on Dhanmondi Sat Masjid Road. It was decided that Miyabhai would meet Brigadier Karim at that house. In the evening, I took my brother by car and left for the house on Sat Masjid Road. Brigadier Karim was already present. The meeting was held in secret. There is no third person other than me. Mianbhai did not have much time, so Brigadier Karim started his speech directly without any introduction. The people of the whole country and the army are looking at you to hear what you have to say. They know that the people of the whole country will come to the public meeting tomorrow. So their preparation is also terrible. I request you to say everything to-morrow but do not make a clear declaration of independence. They decided that they would not hesitate to bomb from above if independence was declared. Many lives will be lost in this.' Mianbhai (Bangabandhu) did not say anything, he listened silently. After listening to Yahya Khan's speech, Miyabhai became serious. He has already had a long discussion with the Awami leaders. There was no way of knowing whether Brigadier Karim's advice had any effect on him at all.
